In-building-communication apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An In-Building Communications system is disclosed which permits communication in tunnels, underground parking garages, tall buildings such as skyscrapers, buildings having thick walls of concrete or metal, and/or any building which has communication dead zones due to electromagnetic shielding. The invention includes a portable bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system, an outdoor antenna system attached to the building or independently mountable, an indoor antenna system attached to the building or independently mountable inside the building, and a standardized, In-Building Communications (IBC) interface box affixed preferably to the exterior of the building. The interface box communicates with antenna systems attached to the building. The fire department or other emergency response personnel carry portable outdoor and indoor antenna systems and a portable, lithium-ion battery powered, bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system which may be connected to the building during an event such as a fire, earthquake, or an act of terrorism or whenever radio coverage enhancement is required. The portable BDA system is simply connected to the standardized, IBC interface box and powered thus restoring communications within.

This application incorporates herein by reference hereto U.S. utilitypatent application Ser. No. 11/672,853, filed Feb. 8, 2007. Thisapplication claims the benefit of the filing date of provisionalapplication Ser. No. 61/148,395, filed Jan. 30, 2009 and the contents ofprovisional application No. 61/148,395 and application Ser. No.11/672,853, are both expressly hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to In-Building Communications (IBC) systems,distributed antenna systems (DAS), public safety communication systems,and emergency communication systems with portable, uninterruptible, hotswappable power systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Problems with In-Building Communication are described in the PhoenixFire Department Radio System Safety Project, Final Report, Version 1.7,dated Oct. 8, 2004, which is hereby expressly incorporated by referenceand in the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council, NPSTC,Best Practices for In-Building Communications, dated Nov. 12, 2007,which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

During an emergency, fire department communications depend on landmobile radio systems. Land mobile radio systems are allowed to operatein portions of the radio spectrum under rules administered by the FCC.Portions of the spectrum are divided into bands where land mobile radiosystems operate with frequencies in the 30 MHz (VHF low), 150 MHz (VHFhigh), 450 MHz (UHF), 700 MHz, and 800 MHz bands. Fire departmentcommunication systems may also use 154,280 (MHz) as this frequency isdesignated by the FCC as a mutual-aid radio channel. The bandwidth ofradio channels, the amount of radio spectrum used by the signaltransmitted by the radio, is set by the FCC to include a maximum and aminimum bandwidth for channels in each frequency band. A frequencynumber indicates the center of each radio channel with half of thebandwidth located on each side of the center.

Based on the limited radio spectrum, permitted bandwidth has beendecreasing. Previously, channel bandwidths were 25 kHz. Newer rulesrequire reducing bandwidths to 12.5 kHz. As the bandwidth has becomemore crowded, there is increasing difficulty to ensure qualityreception. The reduced bandwidth means reduced energy to carry the sameamount of information over the same distance increasing the challenge ofreliable communications. The 800 MHz band is typically considered tohave reduced naturally occurring interference. However, the large numberof cellular phone company and other spectrum users has led to increasingman-made interference in the 800 MHz band.

During land mobile radio communications, a radio signal is sent from atransmitter to a receiver starting when the transmitter generateselectromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic energy is converted by anantenna into electromagnetic waves. One type of electromagneticradiation used in communication is commonly referred to as radio wavesor radio signals. Radio waves sent outward from the antenna of thetransmitter to the antenna of a receiver are considered downlinktransmissions. The antenna of the receiver converts the electromagneticwaves back into energy, which is directed through a transmission line toa receiver. Radio waves then sent from the receiver to the originaltransmitter are considered uplink transmissions. When both the uplinkand downlink transmissions are transmitted on the same frequency, it isconsidered simplex communication. Typically, one radio user maycommunicate directly with another radio user using simplexcommunications. In duplex mode of operation, when a radio user transmitsa message, the message is received by a tower, which then retransmitsthe radio signal to other portable radio users. In half duplex operationor repeated radio communication, two radio frequencies are used forcommunication. The transmitting radio transmits on a first frequency toa repeater. The repeater then repeats the transmission on a frequency 2and the signal is received by the receiving radio. Line-of-Sight (LOS)describes an unobstructed free-space link from a source antenna to areceiving antenna.

Variations in the signal level at the receiver may be due to manmadesources or natural structures including multipath interference, internalnoise in the electronic circuit, structures blocking or obstructingpathway of the radio waves, natural noise, near-far interference,intermodulation interference, receiver desensitization interference, orreceiver overload.

Typically, one of the most important factors for effective radiocoverage is the location and orientation of the antenna to provide adirect path between the transmitter and the receiver. Importantproperties of the antenna include operating frequency, polarization, andradiation pattern. Optimizing these properties of the antenna in thedesired range may provide improved radio coverage in desired areas andreduce interference in undesired directions. In particular, adirectional antenna such as a Yagi antenna or a panel antenna may beused to provide a signal with increased gain near the front of theantenna and a weaker signal from the back.

In typical fire service operation, portable handheld radios powered withrechargeable or replaceable battery packs are used to communicate withbase station radios, which may be powered by AC utility power. Mobileradios are designed for use in vehicles and may be powered from thevehicle's electrical system. Repeaters are capable of transmitting andreceiving signals at the same time and can be used to extend thecoverage of portable or mobile radios. Analog radios use frequencymodulation to transmit a signal directly correlated to the microphoneaudio. Digital radios may also be used which have better spectrumefficiency than analog radios and have increased radio reception rangein weak signal conditions relative to analog radios.

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO)developed P25 as the standard in digital radio communications inpreparation for the move to digital technology. While P25 was intendedto serve as a common digital language for the radios and systeminfrastructures, system manufacturers developed proprietary featuresresulting in a loss of interoperability. Further, due to difficulty ofdigital radios to distinguish between high background noise levels andspoken voice data has led to P25 digital portable radios not beingrecommended for fire-fighting applications when an SCBA facepiece isbeing used. Analog modulation is preferred for situations where an SCBA(Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) facepiece is used, while lawenforcement operations and emergency medical incidents and supportfunctions by the fire department are likely to utilize digital radiotechnology. As a result of these different functional needs andpreferences among the different personnel arriving at the scene of anemergency, different choices in radio equipment has been made increasingconcerns over interoperability between different agencies usingdifferent models and radios from different manufacturers at the scene ofa single event.

Free-space loss (FSL) is the loss in signal strength of anelectromagnetic wave that results from a line-of-sight path through freespace, which assumes no obstacles in the path to cause reflection ordiffraction. The FSL is proportional to the square of the distancebetween the transmitter and receiver and also inversely proportional tothe square of the wavelength and proportional to the square of thefrequency. Other factors like the gain of antennas used by thetransmitter or receiver or the loss associated with hardwareimperfections are typically not considered in the FSL calculation. Theequation for FSL is as follows:

FSL=(4πd/λ)²

FSL=(4πdf/c)²

where λ is the signal wavelength in meters;

f is the signal frequency in hertz;

d is the distance from the transmitter; and

c is the speed of light in a vacuum, 2.99792458×10⁸ meters per second.

FSL may also be expressed in terms of decibel (dB).

FSL(dB)=10 log₁₀(((4π/c)df)²))

In radio applications, using f, in units of MHz and d in units of kmprovides the following relationship.

FSL(dB)=20 log₁₀(d)+20 log₁₀(f)+32.45

As the electromagnetic energy in the radio wave spreads out over freespace there is a reduction in power of the signal. This is shown by thefollowing equation.

S=P _(t)(1/(4πd ²))

where:S is the power per unit area or power spatial density (in Watts permeter squared) at distance, d, and P_(t) is the total power transmitted(in Watts).

The receiving antenna's aperture is a measure of how well an antenna canpick up power from an incoming electromagnetic wave. This relationshipfor an isotropic antenna is shown in the following equation:

P _(r) =Sλ ²/4π

where P_(r), is the received power. The total loss is given by thefollowing equation:

FSL=P _(t) /P _(r)

Additionally, as the radio wave travels from the transmitter to thereceiver, different paths traveled by the electromagnetic waves beforereaching the receiver may affect the signal quality. Objects in the pathof the radio waves such as buildings, trees, or local terrain willreduce the strength of the waves by absorbing or interrupting thesignal. The density, size, shape, and type of material obstructing thepath of the waves will determine if the waves are reduced, blocked,absorbed, or reflected before reaching the receiver. The finalengineered system should consider all the gains and losses in a specificstructure to provide a more realistic expectation of coverage accordingto the following equation:

R×P=T×P+T×G−T×L−FSL−ML+R×G−R×L

where:

R×P=received power in dBm;

T×P=transmitter output power in dBm;

T×G=transmitter antenna gain in dBi;

T×L=transmitter losses (coax, connectors . . . ) in dB;

FSL=free space loss or path loss in dB;

ML=miscellaneous losses (fading, body loss, polarization mismatch, otherlosses);

R×G=receiver antenna gain in dBi;

R×L=receiver losses (coax, connectors) in dB.

In order for a radio user to communicate when they are in a building orother structure, the radio waves must be strong enough after travelingthrough space to penetrate the structure of the building. Increaseddistance from the communications tower where the radio waves aregenerated can lead to weakened radio signals making it difficult for theradio waves to provide coverage inside a building. In-building coveragelevel (the coverage of a radio system in the interior of a building) isaffected by the type of materials used in the construction of thebuilding as well as the distance from the radio tower. Generally, theheavier the construction materials, the higher the dB level needed forthe radio waves to penetrate into the structure to provide in-buildingcommunication.

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) issued aBest Practices for In-Building Communications publication on Nov. 12,2007 to provide reliable communications methods inside buildings,basements, stadiums, and tunnels. In this publication, the three primarymethods for attaining In-Building Communication are: 1) utilizingadditional antenna sites within a jurisdiction to increase signal level;2) supplementing coverage in a specific building with a permanent systemto boost the signal received and boost the signal transmitted to theoutside; and 3) deploying a system on a temporary basis to boostcoverage in a building for a specific incident scene.

Increasing signal strength with additional antenna sites is typicallylimited by the cost, spectrum availability, approval, as well asstructural obstacles preventing certain building structures fromreceiving adequate signal necessary for in-Building Communication.Supplemental coverage in specific buildings may add additional expensefor treating each building separately and these individual systems maycreate problematic interference. Most importantly, permanent buildingspecific solutions may not be reliable during an actual event at thebuilding location. For example, a building fire may damage these systemsor the antenna or power lines essential for communications.

Deployable communications systems provide a practical approach toimproving radio coverage and backup existing systems during an incident.Bi-directional amplifier communications systems are subject tooscillation when there is inadequate isolation (path loss) between thetransmitting and receiving antenna. Because this type of oscillation canlead to serious interference disrupting other communications in thenearby area, it is illegal to operate a signal booster that oscillatesand the FCC (FCC) may impose fines and confiscate equipment.

According to CFR 47 Section 90.7 of the FCC, a signal booster is “adevice at fixed location which automatically receives, amplifies, andretransmits on a one-way or two-way basis, the signals received frombase, fixed, mobile, and portable stations, with no change in frequencyor authorized bandwidth. A signal booster may be either narrow band(Class A), in which case the booster amplifies only those discretefrequencies intended to be retransmitted, or broadband (Class B), inwhich case all signals within the passband of the signal booster areamplified.”

Under this designation, class A signal boosters are considered to bechannelized amplifiers.

An RF amplifier that is able to select what frequencies are to beamplified in the downlink and uplink paths and increases the RF signalstrength in both directions is known as a bi-directional amplifier.

Typically, the desired signal strength delivered to the facility is atleast −95 dBm through at least 95 percent of the facility innon-critical areas and 99% of the facility in critical areas such asfire control rooms and exit corridors. The in-building environmentshould be isolated from the outside of the building to preventdetrimental oscillations. Typically, 15 dB more than the gain of thedeployable communication system booster is an appropriate amount ofisolation between the two inside and outside. For a 90 dB gainbooster/BDA, the ideal isolation situation would be at least 105 dB ofisolation for example.

While the FSL is governed by the equations listed above when the wavetravels through free space, when the wave encounters a solid object suchas a building wall the wave can be further weakened significantly. Aradio wave may lose as much as 40 dB or more in signal strength whenpassing through the wall of a building. Transmission of radio signalsthrough wire or cable must also be evaluated independent of FSL.Generally, radio signal strength losses at 800 MHz frequencies,typically used in public safety radio systems, may be about 4 dB or moreper approximately 100 feet of low loss type coaxial cable. The lossesrealized by sending radio waves through a wall via a low loss cable maybe advantageous compared to the loss attributable to building wallattenuation realized when sending radio waves through thick walls as anentirely wireless transmission, especially when the former is combinedwith an amplifier system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,574 to Struven describes a method of providingmultiple channels of mobile-to-mobile radio communication in tunnels,mines, buildings, and other confined spaces using radiating transmissionlines.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,302 to Childress et al. describes a method for usinga trunked radio repeater system in a public service trunked (PST) systemand special mobile radio (SMR) application.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,020 to Cook et al relates to the operation ofmultiple repeaters utilizing a single communication infrastructure as afixture within a building to provide communications past a barrier.

US Pat. Pub. No. 20060148468 to Mann relates to the field of in-buildingradio communication coverage enhancement utilizing a primary externalantenna, an ancillary external antenna, a donor site diversity system,an internal antenna, and a bi-directional amplifier.

US Pat. Pub. No. 20070099667 to Graham discloses an in-building wirelessenhancement system for high-rises with an emergency backup mode ofoperation including a wireless base station, a backbone coupled to thebase station, a plurality of coupler units connected to the backbone, afirst plurality of antennas, a plurality of amplifiers connected to thebackbone, a second plurality of antennas, and optionally an emergencyaccess port coupled to the backbone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An In-Building Communication (IBC) System is disclosed which permitscommunication in underground structures such as parking garages,basements, or tunnels, tall buildings such as sky scrapers, buildingshaving thick walls of concrete or metal, and/or any structure which mayhave dead zones due to shielding of electromagnetic radiation necessaryfor radio communications.

The SIPS-BDA (Scaleable Intelligent Power Supply—Bi-DirectionalAmplifier) In-Building Communication System provides a highly effectivecommunication system to eliminate communication dead zones in buildingsduring emergency situations or emergency response events. The SIPS-BDAsystem has its own portable lightweight power supply to power abi-directional amplifier or other type of signal booster to overcomecommunications barriers in buildings, tunnels, or other radio obscuringstructures during emergencies or whenever radio communications coverageis required. The invention is intended to provide radio coverageenhancement during emergency events such as fire, explosion, terroristor violence related incidents, as well as whenever public safety orother security requirements for two-way radio coverage are present suchas conventions, special events, and other public gatherings. Theinvention includes in various combinations and configurations acompletely portable coverage enhancement system including portableoutdoor (donor) antenna equipment, portable indoor antenna or antennaarray equipment including the use of radiating cable or other radiatingdistribution components, a portable, autonomously powered signal boostersystem, a standardizable In-Building Communication interface box orunit, and various antenna and signal booster components which are fixedand built in to the building or structure requiring coverageenhancement.

In one embodiment, the invention includes: a) an outdoor antenna systemattached to the building or mounted separately outside the building, b)an indoor antenna system mounted inside the building, c) a standardized,In-Building Communication (IBC) interface box mounted on the exterior ofthe building, and d) a portable SIPS-BDA kit. The IBC interface box mayhave connections to fixed antennas in the interior of the building andan antenna directed to the exterior of the building. The portableSIPS-BDA kit is connected to an outdoor antenna system and an indoorantenna system. The portable BDA may be connected to the outdoor antennasystem directly or connected via the IBC interface box. The portable BDAmay be connected to the indoor antenna system directly or connected viathe IBC interface box.

During operation, the fire department may carry the portablebi-directional amplifier (BDA) kit, which may be powered by alithium-ion battery pack (or other battery type or independent,portable, and/or wireless energy source). The BDA may be connected tothe exterior of the building when the building is experiencing anincident such as a fire, earthquake, or an act of terrorism whichrequires emergency and fire personnel to report to the scene quickly.When called to a building, the fire department personnel may connecttheir portable, lithium-ion battery powered, bi-directional amplifier(BDA) system to the building's standardized, IBC interface box on theoutside of the building. Once the BDA is connected, communicationsbetween the outside and inside of the building are enabled andcommunication dead zones may be significantly reduced. Theconnection/setup time in this embodiment is estimated to be under one(1) minute, enabling communications without having to enter the buildinguntil communications between the outside and the inside of the buildingare established.

As an additional embodiment, the SIPS-BDA system may functionindependent of existing communication infrastructure. In an alternativeembodiment, the invention includes: a) a portable outdoor antenna systemmounted outside the building or mounted facing outside the building fromwithin; b) a portable indoor antenna system mounted inside the building;and c) a portable SIPS-BDA kit outside or inside the building. In thisembodiment, a portable outdoor antenna system and/or a portable indoorantenna system may be used as a backup in place of existinginfrastructure or as the sole means of coverage enhancement in theabsence of existing infrastructure. In the absence of building equipmentor in the event of a building equipment failure, for instance, if theindoor antenna or cabling to the antenna has been destroyed or itsstatus is uncertain during an incident, the portable system may be usedto establish or re-establish excellent communications. It does soindependent of any fixed coverage enhancement system, which may beinoperable or damaged during an emergency event.

The SIPS-BDA system includes a portable outdoor antenna and a portableindoor antenna. In this embodiment, the SIPS-BDA is attached to aportable outdoor antenna that is located on the outside of the building.The SIPS-BDA is placed in a suitable location in the building and isattached to a portable indoor antenna also placed in the building.

In an additional embodiment, the SIPS-BDA system may functionindependent of existing communication infrastructure. In an alternativeembodiment, the invention includes: a) an outdoor antenna systemattached mounted outside the building, b) an indoor antenna systemmounted inside the building, and c) a portable SIPS-BDA kit locatedinside the building. The system is able to provide excellentcommunications capabilities independent of the fixed antenna systemdependent on existing infrastructure. The SIPS-BDA system includes aportable outdoor antenna and a portable indoor antenna. In thisembodiment, the SIPS-BDA is attached to a portable outdoor antenna thatis located on the outside of the building. The SIPS-BDA is placed in asuitable location in the building and is attached to a portable indoorantenna also placed in the building. The outdoor antenna system may alsobe located in the building where it may be positioned facing outside awindow or other opening in the direction of a communications tower andwhere suitable isolation may be obtained from the other antenna alsolocated within the building.

Other examples may be used where the SIPS-BDA is used in differentcombinations with the interface box and the indoor set-ups discussedabove.

One aspect of the system is the reduced expense and increasedflexibility in comparison to fixed building treatments. The communityfire department may own one or more of the SIPS-BDA portable kit(s)which can serve any number of buildings due to the standard IBCinterface box on the building and standard connection to the SIPS-BDAportable kit. In addition, the SIPS-BDA portable kit may be usedseparately from the interface box. The SIPS-BDA portable kit may also beused by bringing it into any building upon the fire department's arrivalat an event to provide effective In-Building Communication coverage whenthe fixed communication infrastructure connected to the IBC standardinterface is damaged or not working properly.

In this embodiment, the SIPS-BDA can be brought to a buildingexperiencing an emergency by fire, emergency medicine, police, or rescuepersonnel to ensure communications between the inside and outside of abuilding regardless of the condition of the site power or communicationinfrastructure.

It is an objective of the invention to send communication signals pastbarriers without causing deleterious interference or consuming powerneedlessly.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones, while maintaining interoperable communicationsbetween rescue personnel during an emergency or other multi-agencyevent.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones without interfering with radio systemoperations.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that can be easily maintained in the event ofan emergency.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that is quick and simple to set up during anemergency.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that is powered autonomously without need forconnection to existing power infrastructure.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that can be powered by connection to vehicle orbuilding power but is also backed up by an included battery system andcontinues to operate without interruption in the event the vehicle orbuilding power source is disabled or disconnected.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that can be utilized independent of fixedantenna and cabling and is compatible with existing infrastructure suchas fixed antenna and cabling.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that is lightweight.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that is safe and does not include corrosive orexplosive materials such as acid, hydrogen, or other combustible fuelsand does not generate any harmful by products such as exhaust gasescontaining carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that is quiet and may be advantageous insecurity situations where noise from vehicle, motor generator, or otherconventional power sources would compromise a mission.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that can be applied effectively in olderbuildings and existing structures as well as new construction.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to In-BuildingCommunication dead zones that can be utilized by first responders andemergency personnel in a rapid and standard manner in the event of anemergency response.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to ensureIn-Building Communication during an emergency that can be configured byfirst responders without having to enter the building.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to ensureIn-Building Communication during an emergency that can be configured byfirst responders before entering the building.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a solution to ensureIn-Building Communications safely during an emergency while havingaccess to only the periphery of the building.

It is an objective of the invention to provide to monitor a building forIn-Building Communication safety without having to enter the building.

It is an objective of the invention to provide building treatment forIn-Building Communication safety that can be shared across severalbuildings.

It is an objective of the invention to provide standard equipment foreffective In-Building

Communication during an emergency that can be used by rescue personnelon more than one building.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a standard interface forIn-Building Communication equipment.

It is an objective of the invention to provide in-Building Communicationequipment which is able to be kept in a safe location and protected fromdamage by the events in an emergency.

It is an objective of the invention to ensure simple radio communicationinteroperability during an incident quickly.

It is an objective of the invention to reduce the path loss of radiowaves at critical points in an in-building communication application.

It is an objective of the invention to overcome physical barriers totransmission of radio waves quickly and safely in an in-buildingcommunication application.

It is an objective of the invention to provide an in-buildingcommunication system solution that is less likely to be in the way ofemergency personnel and rendered inoperative.

It is an objective of the invention to establish a distributed array ofindoor antennas quickly in a building during an incident.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of in-building communication system including aportable amplifier kit and a portable antenna kit.

FIG. 1A is a view of a portable antenna kit.

FIG. 1B is a cutaway view of the portable antenna kit.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the portable antenna once the bag has beenremoved.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the cable organizer with the cableremoved.

FIG. 1E is a side view portable antenna kit removed from the bag.

FIG. 1F is a side view of the portable antenna with the legs of thetripod partially extended.

FIG. 1G is a side view of the portable antenna in a standing position.

FIG. 1H is a side view of the portable antenna connected to the portableamplifier kit/cable organizer.

FIG. 1IA is a view of the portable indoor antenna, an omni-directionalexample.

FIG. 1IB is a view of the portable outdoor antenna, a Yagi example.

FIG. 1IC is a view of a portable antenna for indoor or outdoor use, thepanel antenna example.

FIG. 1J is a side view of the portable In-Building Communication systemin deployed position with the antenna mast of the outdoor antenna in avertical extended position.

FIG. 1K is a view of the portable amplifier kit with a portable indoorantenna connected to the sliding handle of the portable amplifier kit.

FIG. 1L is a view of the portable amplifier kit housing.

FIG. 1M is a view of two portable amplifier kits side-by-side with thefront doors removed.

FIG. 1N is a perspective view of the portable amplifier kit with thedoor in an open position.

FIG. 1O is a front view of the portable amplifier kit includingamplifier with the door removed.

FIG. 1P is a perspective view of the internal details of the portableamplifier kit removed from the portable amplifier kit housing.

FIG. 1Q is a rear view of the internal details of the portable amplifierkit removed from the portable amplifier kit housing.

FIG. 1R is a front view of a second embodiment of the portable amplifierkit including amplifier 141B with the door removed from the portableamplifier kit.

FIG. 1S is a perspective view of the internal details of the portableamplifier kit (including amplifier) removed from the portable amplifierkit housing.

FIG. 1T is a rear perspective view of the internal details of theportable amplifier kit (including amplifier) removed from the portableamplifier kit housing.

FIG. 1U is a front view of the internal details of the battery moduledocking location 140 (with the amplifier removed outside of the portableamplifier kit housing.

FIG. 1V illustrates a block diagram of an alternate In-BuildingCommunication System as an integrated, portable bi-directional amplifierand alarming system (IPBDAAS).

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart (process diagram) for deploying portableradio coverage system.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart (process diagram) for deploying portable radiocoverage.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart (process diagram) for deploying portable radiocoverage.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart (process diagram) for deploying portable radiocoverage.

FIG. 2D is a flow chart (process diagram) for deploying portable radiocoverage.

FIG. 3 illustrates a regional radio system grid map identifying severalalternate radio system site locations (towers) in proximity to aparticular location of site requiring radio coverage enhancement.

FIG. 3A illustrates a flow chart for aiming the outdoor antenna.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates typical system deployment for buildingcoverage enhancement at a location requiring radio coverage enhancementat a building having multiple floors.

FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a partially enlarged view of a typicalsystem deployment for building coverage enhancement at a locationrequiring radio coverage enhancement at a building having multiplefloors.

FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a partially enlarged view of aportable antenna kit and portable amplifier kit deployed at a locationof a site requiring radio coverage enhancement at a building havingmultiple floors.

FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a cut away view of a cable fromantenna kit to indoor antenna coverage location.

FIG. 4D schematically illustrates the indoor antenna location deployedat the fourth floor of a building requiring radio coverage enhancement.

FIG. 5 illustrates the vehicle borne portable radio enhancement system.

FIG. 5A illustrates an enlarged view of the vehicle borne portable radioenhancement system.

FIG. 5B illustrates the portable antenna kit mounted on emergencyresponse vehicle in the vehicle borne portable radio enhancement system.

FIG. 5C illustrates the portable amplifier kit mounted on emergencyresponse vehicle in the vehicle borne portable radio enhancement system.

FIG. 5D illustrates the deployed vehicle borne portable radioenhancement system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a hybrid configuration of the In-BuildingCommunication system including: an outdoor antenna, an indoor antenna, astandard In-Building Communication interface box mounted on the outsideof the building, and suitable cable and coaxial cable connecting theseelements together.

FIG. 6A is a schematic of a hybrid configuration of the In-BuildingCommunication system including: an outdoor antenna, an indoor antenna, aportable Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Kit with SIPS Power and Control,a standard In-Building Communication interface box mounted on theoutside of the building, and suitable cable and coaxial cable connectingthese elements together.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the standard interface box with the doorclosed.

FIG. 6C is a front view of the standard interface box with the door openwith a cable jumper in place creating a passive coverage system.

FIG. 6D is a front view of the standard interface box with the door openwith the cable jumper removed.

FIG. 6E is a cut away front view of the standard interface box with thedoor open with the cable jumper removed.

FIG. 6F is a rear view of the standard interface box.

FIG. 6G is a rear view of the standard interface box with a mountedoutdoor antenna connected to the standard interface box via a conduit.

FIG. 6H is a exterior view of the standard interface box with a mountedoutdoor antenna connected to the standard interface box via a conduit.

FIG. 6I is a cut away view of a hybrid system installed on a floor of abuilding with the standard interface box connected to an outdoor antennavia a conduit mount and to an array of indoor antennas.

FIG. 6J is a view of a portion of the hybrid system including theoutdoor antenna mounted on a rooftop with a non-penetrating roof mount.

FIG. 6K is a view of the standard interface box with portable amplifierconnected via cables to the standard interface box.

FIG. 6L is a view of the standard interface box with jumpers attachedconnecting the built-in components.

FIG. 6M is a view of the standard interface box for use with built-incomponents of the hybrid system with jumpers removed.

FIG. 6N is a rear view of the standard interface box for use withbuilt-in components of the hybrid system.

FIG. 6O is a flow chart of a method for deploying enhanced radiocoverage.

FIG. 7 is a table of preparedness strategies and deploymentconfigurations.

FIG. 8A is a schematic of the typical portable In-Building Communicationenhancement treatment.

FIG. 8B is a schematic of the typical vehicle mounted portableIn-Building Communication enhancement treatment.

FIG. 8C is a schematic of the typical portable in-Building Communicationenhancement kit with an extension antenna kit.

FIG. 8D is a schematic of the typical portable In-Building Communicationenhancement kit with an extension cable and a specialty indoor antenna.

FIG. 8E is a schematic of a typical hybrid system including a portableamplifier kit.

FIG. 8F is a schematic of a hybrid system including a portable amplifierkit bypassing a failed built-in outdoor antenna.

FIG. 8O is a schematic of the full built-in system utilizing a standardinterface box.

FIG. 8H is a schematic of the built-in system bypassing a failed antennaand amplifier.

FIG. 8I is a schematic of portable deployment including an extensionantenna kit.

FIG. 9A is a gain map depicting a building with no treatment receiving adownlink transmission.

FIG. 9B is a gain map depicting a building with portable treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission.

FIG. 9C is a gain map depicting a building with portable treatmentsending an uplink transmission.

FIG. 9D is a gain map depicting a building with no treatment receiving adownlink transmission from an alternate source.

FIG. 9E is a gain map depicting a building with hybrid treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission while in passive configuration.

FIG. 9F is a gain map depicting a building with a hybrid treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission while using a portable amplifierconfiguration.

FIG. 9G is a gain map depicting a building with portable treatmentsending an uplink transmission while in passive configuration.

FIG. 9H is a gain map depicting a building with hybrid system utilizingportable amplifier treatment sending an uplink transmission.

FIG. 9I is a gain map depicting a building with portable systemtreatment including an extended antenna receiving a downlinktransmission.

FIG. 10 is a portable extended antenna kit once removed from the bag.

FIG. 10A is a close-up view of the portable extended antenna kit onceremoved from the bag.

FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the portable extended antennakit.

FIG. 10C is a close-up rear perspective view of the portable extendedantenna kit.

FIG. 10D is a view of the deployed portable extended antenna kit.

FIG. 10E is an alternate view of the deployed portable extended antennakit.

FIG. 11 is a view of the portable extension cable reel.

FIG. 12 is a view of the portable indoor antenna-mounting adapter.

FIG. 12A is a view of the portable indoor antenna mounting adapter withthe hook deployed.

FIG. 12B is a view of the portable indoor and portable antenna mountingadapter where the antenna is deployed standing on the floor or ground.

FIG. 12C is a view of the portable indoor and portable antenna mountingadapter where the portable indoor antenna is deployed hanging from adoor.

FIG. 13 is a view of the optional outdoor antenna kit.

FIG. 13A is a top view of the optional outdoor antenna kit.

FIG. 13B is a front view of the optional outdoor antenna kit.

FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the optional outdoor antenna kit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a view 100 of in-building communication system including aportable amplifier kit 101 and a portable antenna kit 102. The portableamplifier kit 101 has a rectangular shape and stands in an uprightlengthwise direction. The longest side of the amplifier kit isperpendicular to the ground. The top portion of the portable amplifierkit when standing in an upright lengthwise position includes a slidinghandle 103A, an indoor antenna connector port 104, an outdoor antennaconnector port 105, a power switch 106, a status light 107, and a tophandle 108. The sliding handle 103A extends past the top portion of theamplifier kit and is attached to the back panel of the amplifier kit.Power switch 106 and the status light 107 are located adjacent to eachother with the power switch positioned closer to the front of theamplifier kit and the status light positioned more closely to the rearleft corner on the top panel of the amplifier kit. The status lightprovides a large visual indication of the status of power of theamplifier kit. The power switch is large and green in color and isactuated by depressing the switch 106. A green illuminator or light isincorporated into the power switch and illuminates when power isenabled. On the opposite end of the top portion of the amplifier kit arethe indoor antenna connector port 104 and the outdoor antenna connectorport 105. The indoor antenna connector port 104 is located closer to therear corner of the top portion opposite of the status light 107. Theoutdoor antenna connector port 105 is located closer to the front cornerposition on the top of the amplifier kit. The connector ports arepolarized to receive opposite ends of a connector. This structureprevents a connection error and adds to ease of setting up the device toestablish communications at a site quickly. The bottom of the amplifierkit rests on the ground. The front of the amplifier kit includes aclosed-door panel. The amplifier kit has two side panel portions on theright and the left. The side panel portion on the right includes: anAC/DC output connector 109 and a side handle 103B. The AC/DC outputconnector 109 is located near the top portion of the amplifier kit. Theside handle 103B located on the right side panel portion connects to theamplifier kit in two places with a space in between to allow gripping byhand. The side handle 103B is positioned near the middle of the sidepanel portion. When the side handle 103B is gripped by a person's hand,the amplifier kit may be carried with the longest side of the amplifierkit parallel to the ground.

Portable antenna kit 102 is located on the ground adjacent to theamplifier kit 101. Portable antenna kit is in the shape of a long duffelbag and has its longest side parallel and resting on the ground.

FIG. 1A is a view 100A of the carrier for the portable antenna kit 102.The portable antenna kit 102 residing within a container includes: thecable organizer, a zipper 110 and two portable antenna kit handles 111,112. Zipper 110 runs lengthwise down the middle of a top portion of theportable antenna kit and separates the portable antenna kit into twoopposite sides. Zipper 110 brings the two opposite sides of the antennakit together when in a closed position. Handles 111 and 112 are locatedon opposite sides of the zipper. Each handle is attached in twopositions near the bottom of the portable antenna kit with a centralportion of the handle located near the middle of the bag being separatedfrom the portable antenna kit by a space large enough to receive a hand.The central portions of the two handles are capable of being broughttogether, so that both handles may be carried in a single hand. FIG. 1Bis a cutaway view 100B of the portable antenna kit 102. The cutaway viewreveals a portable antenna kit tripod assembly 120 lying lengthwisealong the length of the portable antenna kit 102.

FIG. 1C is a top view 100C of the inside components of the portableantenna kit 102 and cable organizer 124. The portable antenna kitincludes the cable organizer, which enables rapid delivery, quick set upof the antennas, rapid dispensation of the cables and a compact storagemeans for the cable and the antennas. The portable antenna kit tripod123 extends lengthwise from right to left with tripod leg 123Dpositioned in a flat, straight, orientation and located in a centralmiddle top of the portable antenna kit. The three tripods legs, 123D,123E, and 123F, are located adjacently with two of the legs 123E, 123Fextending at angle from the tripod leg 123D oriented in a straight flatposition near the middle of the portable antenna kit 102 in this view.The tripod legs' position in proximity to one another is controlled byan adjustor 123A, which is a knob located near an end portion of thetripod legs. The adjustor 123A is a screw type lock with a handle tooperate the screw. Located underneath the central tripod leg 123D is acable organizer including the following components: an end portion ofcable organizer 124A, an alternate end portion of cable organizer 124B,spine of cable organizer 125, lower cable organizer mount spacer block126, lower cable organizer mount spacer block clamp 126A, upper cableorganizer mount spacer block 127, upper cable organizer mount spacerblock clamp 127A, cable organizer spacer block brace 128, outdoorantenna mount spacer block 129, and an outdoor antenna clip 129A. Thespacer block clamps affix the cable organizer spine to the center tubeof the tripod 135 (see FIG. 1E) which is not visible in this viewbecause it is hidden behind leg 123D. Short segment 121B of the cable isillustrated in FIG. 1C. The tripod 120 includes two telescoping portionsto increase its length with adjustor 123B controlling the firsttelescoping section and adjustor 123C controlling the second telescopingsection. The tripod is positioned in shortest configuration with bothtelescoping sections being located in their shortened telescopedposition. An outdoor antenna cable 121 is positioned between an outdoorantenna connector 121A of an outdoor antenna 122 and an end portion ofcable organizer 124A. The outdoor antenna 122 lays lengthwise adjacentto the tripod legs with an outdoor antenna clip 129A securing theantenna to the tripod main tube. FIG. 1D is an enlarged view 100D of thecable organizer. The cable organizer is illustrated from two differentperspectives. Cable organizer extends in a vertical direction with a topportion 124A in a top position, the bottom end portion 124B, and a spine125 located therebetween. Spine 125 has a front side and a rear side.Protrusions 124C. 124D are located on the top end portion 124A andbottom end portion has protrusions 124E, 124F to receive the cable. Oneach end of the protrusions are rubber tips or feet 124R. Each end ofthe cable organizer includes a retention strap 130, 130B which extendsfrom underneath the central portion of the protrusion. Each end of thecable retention strap is received by a pin 130A, 130D. On the front sideof spine 125 are an indoor antenna clip 131, an indoor antenna connectorclip 131A, and a second indoor antenna clip 131B. Outdoor antenna clip129A is also illustrated in FIG. 1D, as is the indoor antenna cableretainer clip 121C. Rear side of the spine 125 includes an upper cableorganizer mount spacer block 127, a lower cable organizer mount spacerblock 126, and an outdoor antenna mount spacer block 129. The cableorganizer mount spacer blocks 127, 126 include a respective clamp 127A,126A for gripping the tripod leg 123D.

FIG. 1E is a side view 100E of the portable antenna kit removed frombag. The portable antenna kit is shown resting on the rubber feet 124Rof the cable organizer in a horizontal position. The rubber feet 124Rare in direct contact with the ground 113. The long segment of indoorantenna cable 132 is wound around both ends 124A, 124B of the cableorganizer and held in position by the upper cable retention strap 130and the lower cable retention strap 130B. The indoor antenna 133 isclipped to the spine of the cable organizer 125 with the indoor antennacable wrapped surrounding the indoor antenna 133, so that only a portionof the indoor antenna 133 may be seen. The indoor antenna cable 132,short segment of the indoor antenna cable 121B, and the dual ball joint134 on the outdoor antenna mount are located on the upper end portion ofthe antenna kit. In this view, the upper end portion of the antenna isshown in a horizontal orientation with the end portion of the antennakit including the short segment of the indoor antenna cable 121B, thedual ball joint 134, and the end of the antenna kit facing closest tothe building 114. In one embodiment, the cable 132 is a flexible coaxialRF communication cable. The cable may be a low loss RF cable. The cablemay have about a one-inch minimum bend radius that allows the cable toextend into and through tight passages without kinking. The cable mayhave a bonded tape outer conductor that provides superior bending andflexibility allowing rapid and safe deployment across both indoor andoutdoor environments. The cable may also be weatherproof having a UVprotected black or yellow polyethylene jacket making the cable durableand useable in all weather conditions. In one embodiment, the cable mayhave the following mechanical specifications; a minimum bend radius ofabout 1 in, a bending moment of about 0.5 ft lbs, a weight of about0.068 lbs/ft, a tensile strength of about 160 lbs, and a flat platecrush of about 40 lb/in. In one embodiment, the cable may have aninstallation temperature range of about −40° F. to about 185° F. astorage temperature range of about −94° F. to about 185° F., and anoperating temperature range of about −40° F. to about 185° F.

The cable may comprise about 0.11 inches of an inner conductor materialof solid BCCAI, a dielectric of foamed polyethylene of about 0.285inches, an outer conductor of aluminum of about 0.291 inches, an overallbraid of tinned copper of about 0.320 inches, and a standard jacket ofblack polyethylene of about 0.405 inches. The electrical specificationsof the cable may include a cutoff frequency of about 16.2 GHz, about an85% velocity of propagation, a voltage withstand of about 2,500 VDC, apeak power of about 16 kW, a jacket spark of about 8,000 VRMS, animpedance of about 50 ohms, a capacitance of about 23.9 pF/ft aninductance of about 0.060 uH/ft, a shielding effectiveness of at leastabout 90 Db, a phase stability of less than about 10 ppm/° C., and anattenuation of about 3.9 dB/100 ft for a frequency of about 900 MHz anda power of about 0.58 kW. In addition, the cable may have a DCresistance of about 1.39 ohms/1000 ft for the inner conductor and a DCresistance of about 1.65 ohms/1000 ft. for the inner conductor.

In another embodiment, the cable may be continuous and of the same typeof flexible low loss coaxial cable. In another embodiment, the cable maybe a fiber optic cable. In still another embodiment, the cable may be atype of leaky coaxial cable. In another embodiment, a portion of thecable may be a low loss coaxial cable, a portion may be a leaky coaxialcable, and a portion may be fiber optic cable.

The outdoor antenna 122 is secured to a main section of the tripod 135.The first section of the tripod is in a flat horizontal positionparallel to the ground 113 with tripod legs 123D, 123F oriented at aslight angle from the first section of the tripod.

FIG. 1F is a side view 100F of the portable antenna with the legs of thetripod partially extended. Tripod legs 123D, 123E. 123F are extendedfrom the first section (mast) of the tripod 135 by turning screw typeadjustor 123A. Leg 123F is not visible in FIG. 1F and resides behindmast 135 (also described herein as the first section of the tripod. Thecable organizer is attached to the first section (mast) of the tripod135 with a lower cable organizer mount spacer block clamp 127A and anupper cable organizer mount spacer block clamp 126A. Reference numeral114 indicates the direction of the building. Once the tripod legs areextended, the entire tripod along with attached cable organizer can berotated to a vertical position coming to rest upon legs 123D, 123E, and123F with cable organizer now facing the building to facilitate easypayout of cable 132 toward the building.

FIG. 1G is a side view 100G of the portable antenna kit in an uprightstanding position. The portable antenna kit/cable organizer arepositioned in an upright vertical position resting on the tripod legs123D, 123E, 123F which are in direct contact with the ground 113. Rubberfeet 124R on the protrusions of the cable organizer are pointing in adirection parallel to the ground 113 and toward the building. The longsegment of the indoor antenna cable 132 is held in place at the lowerend portion by a lower cable retention strap 130B and at the upper endportion by an upper cable retention strap 130 around the upper and lowerprotrusions of the cable organizer. Upper cable retention strap 130holds the short segment 121B in place above the upper protrusions of thecable organizer. The wound long segment of the indoor antenna cable 130Bsurrounds the indoor antenna 133, which is mounted to the spine 125 ofthe cable organizer at a location in the middle of the coil of longsegment of indoor cable.

The outdoor antenna kit and the rear of the cable organizer are orientedin the northward direction. The outdoor antenna is aimed in thedirection of the nearest tower using dual ball joint 134 and adjuster134A according to plot 300. The vertical elements 122A of the antennaare aligned in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground. Theoutdoor antenna cable 121 is connected to the outdoor antenna 122 via anoutdoor antenna connector 121A. In another embodiment, the outdoorantenna 122 may have one or more servomotors connected to aim or orientthe outdoor antenna in the location of a preferred radio tower, or torespond to remote sensing and automatic aiming protocol.

FIG. 1H is a perspective view 100H of the portable antenna connected tothe portable amplifier kit. Both the upper cable retention strap 130 andthe lower cable retention strap 130B are unattached from the pin 130Aand 130D allowing the indoor and outdoor antenna cable to be dispensedfrom the cable organizer. The outdoor antenna cable 121 is connectedfrom the outdoor antenna to the outdoor antenna port of the amplifierkit 101. The indoor antenna cable is in fact a continuous cableincluding: 1). a short segment 121B and 2). a long segment 132. Theshort segment indoor antenna cable 121B is connected from the cableorganizer to the indoor antenna cable port on the amplifier kit 101.

Still referring to FIG. 1H, the cable organizer has orientation thatenables an effective and standard set-up allowing communications to beestablished quickly. Rubber feet 124R are on the ends of protrusions onthe ends of the cable organizer, which are perpendicular to the spine ofthe cable organizer. The cable organizer can be set up so the ends ofthe protrusions point directly into the entranceway of the building orother area in need of communication enhancement. In this way, the indoorantenna and the long segment of indoor cable 132 connected to the indoorantenna can be dispensed quickly into the area in need of communicationenhancement. The short segment of indoor antenna cable 121B whichconnects to the amplifier and the long segment of the indoor antennacable 132 which connects to the indoor antenna are secured with anindoor antenna cable retainer clamp 121C near the bottom of the verticalcable organizer. This location of the clamp 121C reduces the risk oftoppling the tripod or applying tension to the amplifier connection whentugging on cable 132.

Still referring to FIG. 1H, once the cable organizer is orientated inthe proper direction with respect to the opening or other entrancewayinto the building, the orientation of the outdoor antenna 122 can beadjusted with the outdoor antenna mount dual ball joint 134. The outdoorantenna can be aligned to point its tip in the direction of the mostpreferred radio site and the elements of the antenna are aligned in avertical position. The adjustor 134A for the outdoor antenna mount canbe used to secure the outdoor antenna 122, once it has been adjusted(pointed and turned) in the proper alignment.

FIG. 1IA is a view 100IA of the portable indoor antenna 133. This viewincludes the omni-directional antenna embodiment as the portable indoorantenna 133. The omni-directional antenna is connected on one end to abase 133A and to an antenna cap 133C on the other end. The antenna base133A is connected to a pigtail cable 132A. The other end of the pigtailcable 132A is attached to a pigtail cable connector 132B. The indoorantenna has a lanyard cable 133D which is also attached to the antennabase 133A. The lanyard cable 133D is connected to a coupling 133E.

Still referring to FIG. 1IA in one embodiment the indoor antenna is anomni-directional antenna. The omni-directional antenna in one embodimentmay have the following properties: a receiving frequency of about 806 toabout 869 MHz, a gain of about 0 db, a VSWR of 1.5:1, a bandwidth ofabout 63 MHz, a 3 dB beamwidth E-plane (deg) of 75, and a power handlingof 150 W. In one embodiment, the main cylindrical vertical element ofthe omni-directional antenna may be a plated copper laminate with afiberglass enclosure. In one embodiment, the omni-directional indoorantenna has a height of about 17.5 inches and includes a standardpigtail cable length of about 1 ft. The omni-directional antennas may bebuilt on a copper laminate and housed in fiberglass having a fiberglasswall thickness of about 0.1 inch.

The omni-directional antenna may be used as the indoor antennapreferably in situations where radio signals may be received fromdifferent directions. This may occur where a first responder may have tomove about inside the building while sending and receiving radio signalsin a number of different directions and positions throughout theinterior of the building. The omni-directional antenna may be mountedright side up or tipped upside down depending upon the desired pattern.The omni-directional antenna may also be clamped or mounted in a varietyof configurations.

FIG. 1IB is a view 100IB of the portable outdoor antenna 122. In thisview, a Yagi directional antenna is shown in this embodiment as theportable outdoor antenna. The portable outdoor antenna has a main shaftor boom extending in a horizontal direction. At one end of the boom is amounting flange 134C, which connects the outdoor antenna to a dual balljoint 134. The dual ball joint includes an adjuster 134A for the outdoorantenna mount and a tripod clamp 134B for the mounting outdoor antennato the tripod. Along the horizontal shaft of the outdoor antenna areseveral vertical elements 122A, which are perpendicular to thehorizontal shaft and extend both above and below the horizontal boom.The outdoor antenna also includes an outdoor antenna connector 121A,which has a fitting to connect the outdoor antenna to a cable or otherdevice.

Still referring to FIG. 1IB, in one embodiment the outdoor antenna is adirectional Yagi outdoor antenna which has a receiving frequency ofabout 806 to about 869 MHz, a gain of about 11 db, about 10 verticalelements which are generally perpendicular to the horizontal boom, afront to back ratio of about 20 dB, a 3 dB beamwidth E-plane of about 40degrees, a 3 dB beamwidth H-plane of about 45 degrees and a powerhandling of 200 W. The element may be made of an aluminum rod. The mainhorizontal boom may have a length of about 46 inches and severalvertical elements having a height of about 4 to 7 inches. Theapproximate weight of the outdoor antenna may be about 1.6 lbs.

FIG. 1IC is a view 100IC of a portable antenna for indoor or outdooruse, the panel antenna example. The panel antenna has a rectangularshape with two large horizontal surfaces. On one large horizontalsurface is an antenna face 136. On the opposite horizontal surface,there are a mounting bracket 136A and a panel antenna connector 136B.The panel can be oriented in an upright position in the direction of itspolarization 136C.

In addition, to the antenna embodiments disclosed other devices forreceiving and transmitting radio waves may be used. In addition toantenna structures, other transmitting devices such as radiating cablemay be used. In one embodiment, a particular type of coaxial cablereferred to as “leaky coax” may be used as a type of antenna device. Inone embodiment, leaky coax may be used as an indoor antenna device ormay be used in conjunction with an indoor antenna device.

FIG. 1J is a side view 100J of the portable in-Building Communicationsystem in deployed position with antenna mast of the outdoor antenna ina vertical extended position. The indoor antenna cable short segment121B is connected to the indoor antenna connector port 104 of theportable amplifier kit 101. The portable amplifier kit 101 is positionedon the ground near the portable outdoor antenna kit. The outdoor antennacable 121 connects the outdoor antenna 122 to the outdoor antennaconnector port 105 of the amplifier kit 101. The outdoor antenna 122 hasvertical elements 122A which are perpendicular to the horizontal boom ofthe outdoor antenna 122. The outdoor antenna can be pivoted about thedouble ball joint 134 on the outdoor antenna mount to position thevertical elements perpendicular to the ground and aim the directionalantenna in the direction of the nearest tower or other transmitter. Theoutdoor antenna is elevated above the tripod with telescoping section135 of the tripod extended and secured in position with adjuster 123Cfor the second telescoping section of the tripod. The first telescopingsection of the tripod is also extended and secured in position withadjustment by adjuster 123B for the first telescoping section.

Still referring to FIG. 1J, the outdoor antenna 122 may be pointed inthe direction of the nearest radio site and the horizontal boom of theindoor antenna may be rotated, so that the elements are alignedvertically. Once the outdoor antenna has the proper orientation, theadjustment can be maintained by turning adjuster 134A. Once the properhorizontal and rotational orientation of the outdoor antenna areproperly oriented and secured, the telescoping sections 135, 135A of thetripod may be extended, raising the outdoor antenna into an elevatedposition.

Still referring to FIG. 1J, the indoor antenna 133 is illustratedremoved from the spine of the cable organizer and outside of the centralposition of the coil of long segment of indoor antenna cable 132. Thecable retention strap, upper 130 and the cable retention strap, lower130B are unfastened from the cable retention strap pins allowing thecable 132 to be pulled from the cable organizer to supply cable 132 inthe direction of the indoor antenna 133. The indoor antenna 133 isconnected to an indoor antenna pigtail cable 132A which is connected tothe long segment of the indoor antenna cable wound around the cableorganizer. The pigtail cable provides a sturdy and flexible connectorbetween the indoor antenna 133 and the indoor antenna cable 132.

Still referring to FIG. 1J, the cable organizer of the antenna kit hasthe proper orientation, so that cable may be rapidly dispensed tooptimize cable length, safety, and set up time. The indoor antenna canbe removed from the cable organizer and run directly into theentranceway of an area in need of communication enhancement. The shapeof the cable organizer allows the identification of the proper alignmentto set up the cable organizer facing the building. The protrusions ofthe cable organizer enable the long segment of indoor antenna cable tobe dispensed rapidly from the cable organizer and run into the buildingwithout causing snags or other unnecessary delays.

FIG. 1K is a view 100K of the portable amplifier kit with a portableindoor antenna 133 connected to the sliding handle 103A of the portableamplifier kit 101. The portable amplifier kit 101 has a top portion, afront portion, and side portions. The portable amplifier kit has agenerally rectangular shape with rounded edges. The portable amplifierkit is standing lengthwise in a vertically upright position. The frontportion of the portable amplifier kit includes a door 101D which haslatches 101A, 101B fastened to the side portion of the amplifier case.At the bottom of the side portion on the right of the amplifier case isa wheel 101C. At the bottom of the side portion on the left of theamplifier case there is also a wheel (not shown). In a central positionof the side portion is a side handle 103B which is attached to theamplifier kit in two points.

The top portion of the amplifier case includes: a power switch 106, astatus light 107, a sliding handle 103A, and a top handle 108. In oneembodiment, both the sliding handle and the amplifier case are made ofheavy-duty injection molded polypropylene plastic. The sliding handle103A extends past the top surface of the amplifier case and is attachedto the back portion of the amplifier case. The sliding handle can bepositioned in an extended position as shown or pushed into a groovebehind the amplifier case (not shown). The amplifier case can be tiltedby pulling the sliding handle in a downward position allowing theamplifier case to move on its wheels located at the bottom of theamplifier case.

An indoor antenna 133 is attached to the sliding handle with an optionalmount of the indoor antenna 133B. The indoor antenna is connected at itsbottom portion to an indoor antenna pigtail cable 132A. The indoorantenna pigtail cable 132A is connected to the indoor antenna connectorport on the top portion of the amplifier case. The indoor antennapigtail cable 132A has sufficient length, so that the indoor antenna 133remains connected when the sliding handle is moved in an elevated orlowered position.

FIG. 1L is a view 100L of the portable amplifier kit housing 101H. Theportable amplifier kit case 101L is generally rectangular in shape withrounded edges at the corners. The portable amplifier kit case 101L isformed by a central housing 101H with an attached door 101D. The doorand the housing are made up of heavy-duty injection molded polypropyleneplastic. The housing has a deep rectangular shaped cavity formed by therear side of the amplifier case and four attached walls including thetop, bottom, and side portions of the amplifier case. The cavity has awheel well protrusion in the bottom left corner 101W and bottom rightcorner (not shown) of the amplifier kit case 101L. The cavity is open tothe front of the amplifier case. A seal 101G is attached to theperimeter of the cavity facing the front of the amplifier case. Thehousing 101H is attached on one side to a door 101D by a hinge. The doorhas concave shape and includes latches 101A, 101B on the side of thedoor opposite the hinge. The latches engage lips on the side portion ofthe housing.

Still referring to FIG. 1L, in one embodiment, the housing has a lengthof about 22 inches, a height of about 13.9 inches, a depth of about 9inches, and can transport a loaded weight of about 29 lbs. Roller bladestyle wheels with retractable handle may be included to increase thespeed and ease which the case can be transported. The housing is ruggedand can provide a watertight enclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 1L, in one embodiment, the housing has a lengthof about 25 inches, a height of about 20 inches, a depth of about 12inches, and can transport a loaded weight of at least about 45 pounds.Roller blade style wheels with retractable handle may be included toincrease the speed and ease which the case can be transported.

FIG. 1M is a view 100M of two portable amplifier kits side-by-side withthe front doors removed. The portable amplifier kit on the left includesa bi-directional amplifier 141 and a battery module docking location 140having a 3 by 4 array of open battery slots to hold a total of twelvemodules. The bi-directional amplifier 141 is oriented sideways in spacebetween a side portion of the housing and the battery module dockinglocation. The amplifier kit also includes an AC/DC input connector 109Aon the inner side portion of the housing near the upper left corner ofthe portable amplifier kit. On the top portion of the amplifier kit arethe indoor antenna connector port 104 and the outdoor antenna connectorport 105. The bi-directional amplifier 141 is connected to the outdoorantenna connector port 105 by an outdoor cable 141A. The bi-directionalamplifier is connected to the indoor antenna connector port 104 by anindoor antenna cable (not shown). The vent 101H is located on a centralportion of the side portion of the portable amplifier case.

In one embodiment, the bi-directional amplifier 141 is SIPS-BDA-800Bhaving an operating frequency of about 806-824 MHz and about 851-869 MHzfor use in 800 MHz Public Safety Radio Applications. It has a gain ofabout 50 dB and a linear output power of 19 (dBm, typical), apropagation delay of less than 150 nsec, a noise figure of 4 dB, AGCgain control, and overload protection including shutdown withauto-recovery. The bi-directional amplifier 141 is capable of operatingwith a stand-alone power supply or UPS (uninterruptible power supply).The AC input may be ACI-100 or hot swappable meaning that the device maycontinue to operate on AC power while additional sources of AC power areconnected, disconnected, or interexchanged. In one embodiment, thevoltage may be about 90-264 (VAC). In one embodiment, the frequency maybe about 47 to 63 Hz. In one embodiment, the input power may be about120 (VA).

In one embodiment, the backup power source may be a type of standalonebattery. The preferred battery run time is 12 hours and may beexpandable up to 48 hours. The batteries may be charged outside of thecase or inside of the case, while they are in place with an AC or DCinput. In one preferred embodiment, the batteries used as a power sourceare EM-100 manufactured by Modtech Corp in Willoughby, Ohio. Thebatteries may be lithium-ion and hot swappable.

Still referring to FIG. 1M, in one embodiment, the amplifier 141 may beoperable in the temperature range of about −20 C to 50 C, up to analtitude of 3000 m, and in humidity of up to about 90% (relative). Inone preferred embodiment, the amplifier kit can be used as a completelyportable system with a total set up time of less than a few minutes.

The portable amplifier kit on the right includes a bi-directionalamplifier 141B and a battery module docking location 140A having anL-configuration of shelves of open battery slots to hold a total of ninebattery modules. The bi-directional amplifier 141B is oriented with itsfront portion facing out of the front of the amplifier kit. Theamplifier kit also includes an AC/DC input connector 109AA on the innerside portion of the housing near the upper left corner of the portableamplifier kit. On the top portion of the amplifier kit are the indoorantenna connector port 104A and the outdoor antenna connector port 105A.The bi-directional amplifier 141B is connected to the outdoor antennaconnector port 105A by an outdoor cable 141D. The bi-directionalamplifier 141B is connected to the indoor antenna connector port 104A byan outdoor cable 141C.

In one embodiment, the bi-directional amplifier 141B in the kit on theright is a SIPS-BDA-800C having an operating frequency of about 806-824MHz and about 851-869 MHz for use in 800 MHz Public Safety RadioApplications. It has a gain of about 65 or 75 dB and a linear outputpower of 25 (dBm, typical), a propagation delay of less than about 250nsec, a noise figure of about 5.5 dB, AGC and manual gain control, andoverload protection including shutdown with auto-recovery. Thebi-directional amplifier 141B is capable of operating with a standalonepower supply or an UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The AC input maybe ACI-100 or hot swappable meaning that the device may continue tooperate on AC power while additional sources of AC power are connected,disconnected, or interexchanged. The voltage is about 90-264 (VAC) witha frequency of about 47 to 63 Hz, and an input power (VA) of 120.

In one embodiment, the backup power source may be a type of standalonebattery. The preferred battery run time (hr) is about 12 hours andexpandable up to about 24 hours. The batteries may be charged outside ofthe case or inside of the case, while they are in place with an AC or DCinput. In one preferred embodiment, the batteries used as a power sourceare EM-100 manufactured by Modtech Corp in Willoughby, Ohio. Thebatteries may be lithium-ion and hot swappable. The batteries may beinterchangeable of a variety of handheld tools, portable devices,communication equipment, emergency lighting, as well as another sizeamplifier kit including the SIPS-BDA-800B. The amplifier kit may beconnected to another amplifier kit to share power from batteries.Additionally, the amplifier kit may receive power from a variety ofdifferent sources including solar panel, car battery, wall socket,generator, and other stationary and fixed sources of power.

Still referring to FIG. 1M, in one embodiment the amplifier 141B has anoperating temperature of about −20 to 50 C, is operable up to analtitude of 3000 m and in humidity of up to about 90% relative. In onepreferred embodiment, the amplifier kit can be used as a completelyportable system with a total set up time of less than a few minutes.

Still referring to FIG. 1M, both BDAs are seated in the amplifier kitswith sufficient storage space for power supply and room for energystorage modules. The kit on the right houses a larger BDA 141B than thekit on the left. The kit on the right has a slightly greater height, agreater span across, and approximately the same depth. Both amplifiershave most of the same features built-in or attached to the amplifier kithousing.

FIG. 1N is a perspective view 100N of the portable amplifier kit withthe door 101D in an open position. The portable amplifier kit includes atop portion, a bottom portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, and a central cavity portion. The central cavity portion of thehousing 101H includes a battery module docking location 140. The batterymodule docking location 140 includes a 3 by 4 array of open slots tohold a total of twelve modules including a left column, a middle column,and a right column of slots. Each slot includes battery moduleelectrical connections 140C on the left side of the slots of the batterymodule docking location. In this view, the slots in the middle columnare filled with battery modules 140B. The batteries are oriented toengage the battery module electrical connections 140C on the left sideof the slots. Attached to one side of the battery module dockinglocation 140 is a bi-directional amplifier 141.

The left side portion of the amplifier kit is connected to an amplifierkit door 101D with a hinge. The inside of the amplifier kit door 101Dhas a cavity which includes clips for securing the indoor antenna 133 inplace. The indoor antenna optional mount 133B and indoor antenna pigtailcable 132A which are both attached directly to the indoor antenna mayalso be stored securely in this cavity allowing for one person to carrythe equipment in a portable, convenient carrying case.

FIG. 1O is a front view 100O of the portable amplifier kit includingamplifier 141 with the door 101D removed. The housing 101H of theportable amplifier case is shown with the battery module dockinglocation 140. In this embodiment, all slots of the battery moduledocking location 140 engage a battery energy module 140B.

FIG. 1P is a perspective view 100P of the internal details of theportable amplifier kit removed from the portable amplifier kit housing101H. The bi-directional amplifier 141 is located to the right of thebattery module docking location 140. Across the top of the batterymodule docking location 140 are ancillary energy subsystem connectors101S and a primary energy subsystem connector 101SS. Battery module 140Bsits in the slot of the battery module docking location 140. A powerconversion module 140PP is located in the slot in the lower right cornerin the last column of the battery module docking location. A powerconversion I/O connector 140P extends beyond the metal rack on the lowerleft side of the battery module docking location 140. The controllerwith cover 101K is located adjacent to the power conversion I/Oconnector 140P.

FIG. 1Q is a rear view 100Q of the internal details of the portableamplifier kit removed from the portable amplifier kit housing 101H. Theenergy subsystem rack 140R is shown to have slots. The power conversionI/O connector 140P can be seen in the left column on the lower left. Thecontroller with cover 101K is adjacent to the power conversion I/O 140Pin the lower left portion of the battery module docking location 140 inthis view. The clearance for the power conversion I/O connector 140A isshown in the column on the right in this view.

FIG. 1R is a front view 100R of a second embodiment of the portableamplifier kit including an amplifier 141B with the door 101D removedfrom the portable amplifier kit. The battery module docking location 140is shown to have an L-shaped configuration. The BDA is secured withscrews to the portable amplifier internal main mounting plate 170. TheBDA 141B is set nearly adjacent to the upper portion of the batterymodule docking location 140.

FIG. 1S is a perspective view 101S of the internal details of theportable amplifier kit with the amplifier and power assembly removedfrom the portable amplifier kit housing 101H. The primary energysubsystem connector 101SS is located at the end of the lower portion ofthe battery module docking location 140. The bi-directional amplifier141B is attached to the portable amplifier internal main mounting plate170 with a column of screws on the right side.

FIG. 1T is a rear perspective view 100T of the internal details of theportable amplifier kit with the amplifier and power assembly removedfrom the portable amplifier kit housing 101H. A rear view of theportable amplifier internal main mounting plate 170 shows the followingcomponents: An AC/DC conversion module for AC input 171A in the upperleft corner, electrical terminals for amplifier kit 1/O interconnections173 in relative proximity to the top of the mounting plate, a set ofelectrical terminals 174 used as bi-directional amplifierinterconnections, a DC/DC conversion module 171B for DC input below thefirst set of amplifier kit I/O interconnections, a set of electricalterminals 175 for power I/O interconnections extending in a verticalline down the back of the mounting plate, a DC/AC inverter module 171Cfor bi-directional amplifier power located to the left of the electricterminals 175, and an DC/AC inverter module 171D for convenience ACoutput power. The bi-directional amplifier 141B is located on theopposite side of the mounting plate 170. The primary energy subsystemconnector 101SS is located beneath the bi-directional amplifier 141B onthe opposite side of the mounting plate 170.

FIG. 1U is an alternate front view 100U of the internal details of theportable amplifier kit with the amplifier and power assembly removedfrom the portable amplifier kit housing 10H and the bi-directionalamplifier 141B removed from the mounting plate 170. The portableamplifier internal main mounting plate is seen from the front with theBDA removed showing four rectangular shaped controllers stacked from topto bottom: a controller of DC/DC conversion module for DC input 172B, acontroller of AC/DC conversion module for AC input 172A, a controller ofDC/AC inverter module for convenience AC output power 172D, and acontroller of DC/AC inverter module for bi-directional amplifier power172C. These controllers are stacked on top of each other starting withthe controller of DC/DC conversion module for DC input 172B near theupper portion of the L-shaped configuration battery module dockinglocation down to the lower portion of the L-shaped configuration of thebattery module docking location. Along the top of the mounting plate, afirst line of electrical terminals for amplifier kit I/Ointerconnections 173A extend in a horizontal line. A second line ofelectrical terminals 174A for bi-directional amplifier interconnectionsextends in horizontal direction beneath this first line of electricalterminals. A third line of electric terminals 175A extends down thefront of the mounting plate 170 providing power I/O interconnectionswith modules 172A, 172B, 172C, and 172D with power conversion units171A, 171B, 171C, and 171D.

FIG. 1V shows a block diagram 100V of an alternate In-BuildingCommunication System as an integrated, portable bi-directional amplifierand alarming system (IPBDAAS). The portable amplifier kit 101 has anAC/DC output connector 109A in the upper right portion of the amplifierkit which acts as a port allowing line power input from outside theamplifier kit into the kit. Line power input which enters the kitthrough 109A is then received by AC/DC conversion module for AC input171A which is able to convert an AC input to a DC power output.Underneath the AC/DC output connector is a DC/DC input connector 109Awhich is able to receive power from a DC source such as a vehicle orsolar panel. Once a DC input enters the amplifier kit from 109A it isrouted to a DC/DC conversion module 171B which is able to convert thepower to a level of DC power which can be more effectively utilized inthe amplifier kit. Both the AC/DC conversion module for AC input 171Aand the DC/DC conversion module for DC input 171B are connected to acommon line which has a connection to a DC/AC inverter module 171C. Thisinverter module 171C has a connection to the bi-directional amplifier141B to provide power to the BDA. The common line which interconnectsthe AC/DC conversion module 171A for AC input, the DC/DC conversionmodule 171B for DC input, and the DC/AC inverter module 171C to powerthe bi-directional amplifier together extends further to interconnect tothe DC/AC inverter module 171D convenience AC output power and an energysubsystem rack interface 172. The DC/AC inverter module 171D connects toan AC/DC output connector 109 on the outside of the amplifier kit whichis able to provide convenience AC output power to devices located wherethe amplifier kit is deployed. The amplifier kit is able to act as awireless portable energy source at a site providing power in the eventof an energy outage at the location in need of communicationenhancement, or to reduce the need for extension cords increasing safetyand reducing response time when using the amplifier kit. In this way,the amplifier kit may significantly lighten the load for an emergencyresponder providing a faster response time.

Adjacent to and interconnected to the DC/AC inverter module 171D is anenergy subsystem rack interface 172. The energy subsystem rack interface172 is connected to the energy subsystem rack 140R which housesindividual battery energy modules 140B. The energy subsystem rackinterface 172 labeled ESS Interface manages power received from thesebattery modules, from the AC/DC conversion module 171A, DC/DC conversionmodule 171B, DC/AC inverter module 171C, and DC/AC inverter module 171Dand the power interchanged between these different power modules and/orpower sources. Both the BDA 141B and the AC/DC output connector 109 canreceive power from the battery modules through the energy subsystem rackinterface 172. The BDA 141B and the AC/DC output connector 109 canreceive power from a line power input, vehicle, or solar panel input(power sources from outside the amplifier kit) or from the batterymodules 140B (power source located inside the amplifier kit) located inthe energy subsystem rack 140R. The ESS interface 172 has intelligencein the form of at least one controller to manage power effectively anddirect power to provide optimum energy storage capacity in the batterymodules 140B stored in the energy subsystem rack 140R. The ESS interface172 follows a predetermined series of steps to manage power optimally tothe BDA 141B, convenience power input 109, converter modules 171A, 171B,171C, 171D, and the battery modules 140B. The ESS interface 172 followsa predetermined series of steps to manage power optimally from the linepower input, vehicle or solar panel input, converter modules, and thebattery modules. The predetermined series of steps optimally managespower based on the temperature, environmental conditions, performancerequirements of the BDA, performance history of the batteries, and otherconditions required by the application. The predetermined series ofsteps to optimally deliver energy can be programmed based on the energysource in the battery modules. Additional information on the processsteps is found in U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/672,853, having a file date ofFeb. 8, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The amplifier kit 101 includes a scalable intelligent power supply whichcan receive, store, and deliver power from a variety of sources. Avariety of methods and circuitry to interconnect the circuitry withinthe amplifier case may be used. Pulse width modulation is one preferredmethod for managing power from a variety of inputs.

The battery modules 140B each are individually connectable and removableto and from the energy subsystem rack 140R. Each of the battery moduleshas electrical connections to the energy subsystem rack 140R which inturn is connected to the ESS interface 172. The ESS interface canmeasure and control the state of charge, power, and energy storagewithin each battery on an individual battery module basis. The energysubsystem rack 140R has electrical connections interconnecting thebattery modules to each other and allowing them to share power tobalance their state of charge for optimum energy storage or powerdelivery. Individual batteries may be removed from the energy subsystemrack 140R without interrupting or interfering with the power to any ofthe other components in the device. Individual batteries may be insertedinto the energy subsystem rack 140R without interrupting the power toany of the other components in the device. As a result, the amplifierkit has an uninterruptible, hot swappable power supply. The power supplyin the amplifier kit may be able to provide power to the BDA 141B orconvenience power output 109 with all or none of the battery modulesengaged into their respective slots in the energy subsystem rack 140R.Preferably, the battery modules 140B have sufficient energy to supplythe BDA 141B with at least 12 hours of continuous run-time.

The battery modules 140B may also have their own intelligence in theform of controllers programmed with a series of steps to provide optimumenergy storage or power delivery. Power may be received from thebatteries in a sequential, proportional, alternate, step wise, orall-or-nothing manner based on the series of steps programmed in eachbattery module taking into account the power requirements for eachapplication and environmental conditions. Additional information on theprocess steps is found in U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/672,853, having a filedate of Feb. 8, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The batteries have an effective energy density, so that the amplifiercase remains light-weight to be carried by one person quickly with atleast 12 hours of continuous run time for the bi-directional amplifier.In one embodiment, the energy source of the battery modules arelithium-ion cells have a very high energy density allowing the amplifierkit to remain lightweight and portable and provide continuous powersufficient to operate the bi-directional amplifier for at least 12hours. In addition, less battery modules may also be supplied if a linepower is available or shorter battery run time is allowable. Optionally,more battery modules may be supplied if longer battery runtime isdesired. The battery modules may all have the same energy source ordifferent energy sources. In particular, battery modules having the samelithium-ion cells with same cell structure may be used or differentlithium cells may be used within the battery modules used in the sameenergy subsystem rack 140R.

The batteries are interoperable with other portable equipment that mayutilize a portable energy source. In particular, the batteries may alsobe used to supply power to portable radios, repeaters, lights, cameras,vehicles, hand tools, telephones, amplifiers, computers, medicalequipment, electric equipment, inverters, or alarms which may be used atthe site of an event in the case of a power outage. The lightweight highenergy density of the power supply provides an important versatilityadvantage by being able to power other equipment. The power supply isself-contained within the amplifier kit and easy to carry, transport,and ship. Cords for transmission of power or Internet connectivity arenot essential.

The safety, reliability, and utility benefits of the amplifier kit aresignificant. The batteries may power other equipment while they remainin the amplifier kit or by being removed from amplifier kit. Moreinformation on the battery modules and charging mechanisms are found inU.S. patent Ser. No. 11/672,853, having a file date of Feb. 8, 2007which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The portable amplifier kit 101 holds the bi-directional amplifier 141Bwhich is connected via an outdoor antenna cable 121 to an outdoorantenna 122 aimed at a radio site. The bi-directional amplifier 141B isconnected via a cable 141C inside the amplifier kit to an indoor cableshort segment 121B outside of the amplifier kit which is connectable toan indoor antenna system.

The amplifier kit is also connected to a management gateway 176 whichconnects the amplifier kit to a wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network177. The power supply of the amplifier is accessible remotely over theInternet. The energy content of the batteries as well as the overallpower supply of the amplifier kit may be monitored remotely using astandard web browser interface program. The remote web monitoring of thepower status of the amplifier kits enables a single individual tomonitor more than one kit and efficiently attend to the interchange ofbattery modules or other power sources as necessary in a multiple systemdeployment using more than one portable enhancement system. In oneembodiment, the amplifier kit has a specific IP address assigned to itthat is accessible by at least one user to monitor the power supply andrun time available based on the energy content and energy inputs in realtime.

Further, important controls such as on/off power would also beaccessible and controllable remotely providing quick communicationenhancement as necessary for intermittent problems. Additionally, in theevent of problematic oscillation or other forms of interference the BDAmay be easily powered off through this remote access feature. In theevent this amplifier kit were deployed in a larger multiple systemdeployment with one or more units which may be susceptible to causeinterference, any unit may be powered off or on remotely as needed ordesired to diagnose the best possible location to provide enhancedcoverage and reduced likelihood of interference from a variety oflocations.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart 200 showing a method for deploying portable radiocoverage. In step 201, arrival at scene with portable coverage systemoccurs. A tentative location for the outdoor antenna 122 of the antennakit 102 is selected in step 202. A portable radio is used to perform acoverage check at the tentative location in step 203. The results of thecheck are obtained in step 204. If coverage as checked with the portableradio is not adequate at this location (negative result), the set uprequires an additional testing step in step 205 to try an alternateoutdoor location. In the negative result pathway step 203, perform checkusing portable radio, is then repeated.

Once an acceptable check result is obtained, the step 206 of laying theportable antenna kit aimed at structure entry is performed. This isdepicted graphically in FIG. 1E. Tripod legs are extended in step 207 asdepicted graphically in FIG. 1F. The tripod is stood upright with thecable organizer aimed at structure entry in step 208 as shown in FIG.1G. A grid map 300 at tripod base is oriented to the North using acompass in step 209, also shown in FIG. 1G. FIG. 1H depicts thefollowing steps: The top and bottom cable retention straps are removedin step 210. The donor antenna is aimed at a selected radio site in thenext step 211. The portable amplifier kit is placed near the tripodbased in step 212. In step 213, the donor antenna cable is connected tothe amplifier outdoor antenna port. The indoor antenna cable isconnected to the amplifier indoor antenna port 214. Although not shownexplicitly as a step in FIG. 2, the telescoping sections of the tripodstand can also be raised to increase the height of the outdoor antennaif desired at this point. As part of step 215, the amplifier powerbutton is held for at least 2 seconds for delayed startup of thebi-directional amplifier. The duration of the time delay ispreconfigured by software and stored in nonvolatile memory of theonboard amplifier kit microcontroller. It will typically range fromseveral tens of seconds to several minutes depending on userrequirements. The indoor antenna is pulled from clips securing it to thespine of the cable organizer and the indoor antenna is carried into thestructure. Optional step 217 includes extending indoor antenna distancefrom the amplifier with additional cable segments. Optionally, anextended antenna kit may be inserted and taken further into thestructure. Use of extended antenna kit(s) allow additional indoorantennas to be coupled and enabled creating a distributed antenna arrayas deployment progresses. As part of step 219, the indoor antenna isultimately positioned near the center of coverage area or in location toprovide optimal coverage of the area in need of coverage enhancement. Insome cases, it may be advantageous to select a location for the indoorantenna that is out of the way of traffic or above an area that has notyet been cleared for passage. The intelligence embedded in the amplifierkit enabling the turn on delay is activated by holding down the buttonprovides safer, more effective operation of the BDA and communicationcoverage enhancement by reducing the opportunity for oscillation andresulting radio system interference due to their being inadequateisolation between the sending and receiving antennas until the indoorantenna has been taken some distance away from the outdoor antenna andinto the attenuating structure.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart 200A showing a method for deploying portableradio coverage. Initially, the power button 106 is pressed in step 201A.The power button is held for less than 2 seconds as part of step 202A,the power button is released as part of step 203A, and the amplifier kitis ready without delay to operate in step 204A. This series of processsteps may be used once the amplifier kit, the outdoor antenna, and theindoor antenna, are all set up and connections to the cables connectingthe amplifier kit and the outdoor antenna and the indoor antenna haveall been made. The amplifier kit has storage capability to use adifferent process to power the BDA corresponding to different methods ofactuating the power button switch. This variety of start-up sequenceshelps to provide effective coverage enhancement, while avoiding andreducing the opportunity for oscillation or other problematic sources ofinterference. A variety of different methods of actuating the power tothe BDA may be used including pressing the power button in a specificsequence, holding the power button, etc. A variety of buttonconfigurations may be used on the outside of the amplifier kit. In apreferred embodiment, a button is used on the outside of the case and avariety of different start-up sequences may be initiated by using asingle power button. The power to the controller intelligence in theamplifier kit may be enabled independently of powering on the amplifierin order to access important diagnostic information, while preservingbattery life and reducing potential for interference. In one embodiment,the intelligence embedded in the amplifier kit and activated by holdingdown the button for less than two seconds. In another embodiment, theBDA may be powered up immediately to more quickly provide communicationcoverage enhancement more quickly based on the particular siteconfiguration.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart 200B showing a method for deploying portableradio coverage. A method for deploying portable radio coverage is shownin which the BDA can be powered up with a delayed start. This delaystart is actuated with a single button. Further, the delay start optioncan be communicated using an indicator light on the outside of theamplifier case. The delay start provides the opportunity to operate theBDA safely and effectively and establish communications quickly withminimal instrumentation while avoiding problematic oscillation orautomatic shutdown of the BDA. The operator can choose the best timingsequence for powering the BDA based on the conditions on site. Multiplepowering sequences can be used and can be actuated simply using anamplifier kit with the same configuration and instrumentation. In allscenarios, the BDA has embedded intelligence to respond with the properstart-up and power sequence.

In step 201B, the power button 106 is pressed. The power button is heldfor more than 2 seconds in step 202B. The indication that the powersequence has been started is provided with the green light illuminatingin step 203B. This start-up sequence is further actuated with the powerbutton being released after less than 5 seconds has elapsed in step204B. A green light flashes for time delay start in step 205B. Theamplifier kit now may be operated as part of step 204A.

Holding the power button more than 2 seconds powers up the amplifier kitand the embedded intelligence. Once the amplifier kit is powered upinformation may be received from the amplifier kit intelligence byproviding another command with the power button. In this embodiment,releasing the power button before 5 seconds has elapsed initiates adelay start-up mode. The embedded intelligence of the amplifier kitcommunicates that the delayed start-up mode has been initiated byflashing the green light.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart 200C showing a method for deploying portableradio coverage. In step 201C, the power button 106 is pressed. In thisembodiment, an additional alternate start-up mode is initiated once thepower of the amplifier kit has been turned on. This alternate start-upsequence is initiated by holding the power button down more than 2seconds in step 202C. The green light illuminates in step 203C. Step204C includes the operation of continuing to hold the power button morethan 5 seconds. In step 205C, the green light goes out indicating theBDA in the amplifier case is not powering on, however, the intelligencein the amplifier case is powered on. In step 206C, the power button isreleased. The red light on the outside of the amplifier case flashesshowing state of charge in step 207C. Indication of safe shipping statusis provided in step 208C with the illumination of the green light. Step209C is a step in which waiting occurs before the next button push.

In this embodiment as shown in view 200C of the flow chart, informationon the energy level of the batteries is provided with the actuation of asingle button. Further, important safety information is alsocommunicated to the outside of the box from inside the box utilizing theintelligence embedded in the amplifier case and connections to thebattery modules in the inside of the case. The case does not need to beopened and safety mechanisms of the battery are easily reported asfunctioning or non-functioning without requiring lengthy inspection.

FIG. 2D is a flow chart 200D showing a method for deploying portableradio coverage. In addition to alternate start-up sequences, theintelligence in the amplifier kit also provides important informationduring operation of the amplifier. Step 204A, the amplifier case beginsoperation. Green light 106 illuminates steadily in step 201D. In analternative embodiment, the green light illuminates mostly steadily,momentarily flashing off then quickly on again, simulating a heartbeatas an indication of normal, active operation status. The portableamplifier kit 101 is operating in step 202D. An indication ofoperational status is provided by a red light 107 and a green light 106.In the event, the red light is not flashing in 203D, evaluation by theoperator may continue to examine the green light 106 in 208D. In theembodiment, where the green light 106 is not flashing, the portableamplifier is operating 202D. However, in the embodiment the green lightis flashing slowly with equal on and off times, the intelligence of theamplifier kit is communicating a low battery warning 212D. The portableamplifier kit may continue to operate in step 202D.

However, in the event following 202D, single flashes are being producedby the red light 107 as in 204D, a Warning-Error 1 (e.g. AGC operating)209D is provided. Following warning 209D, the portable amplifier kit 101is operating as shown in 202D.

During operation of the portable amplifier kit 101 in 202D if a redlight 107 is flashing 203D an evaluation step for double flashes 205Doccurs. In the event of an affirmative response to the double flashevaluation step 205D, a Warning Error 2 (e.g. isolation failure) isindicated in 210D. The portable amplifier kit 101 is operating as shownin 202D.

Following operation of the portable amplifier kit 101 in 202D anevaluation for red light 107 flashing 203D takes place. A positiveresult for triple flashes indicates a Warning Error 3 (e.g. overloadshutdown) by 211D. The suspension of the amplifier operation 213D maythen occur. A system error following triple flashes is provided by 207D.

FIG. 3 is a view 300 of a regional radio system grid map 300 identifyingseveral alternate radio system site locations 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 inproximity to a particular location requiring radio coverage enhancement302. The regional radio system grid map 300 has a North directionindicator 301, longitude indications 309, latitude indications 310, andall the radio system site locations identified over the entire countyregion 308. The map also provides the direction to aim outdoor antenna311 to communicate with the preferred radio system site location 303.This directional indication would be provided specific to each site.Each site has a specific plot that is stored in a location accessible bythe personnel using the antenna kit and the amplifier kit.

FIG. 3A shows a flow chart 300A for aiming the outdoor antenna.Initially, the latitude and longitude of location 302 is established instep 301A. Location 302 is identified on the map 300 in step 302A. Northdirection 301 at the location 302 in need of communication coverageenhancement is determined in step 303A. Based on topography of the areasurrounding location 302, the building location, entrance location,infrastructure, emergency concerns, evacuation routes, equipmentlimitations, optimal location for cable length, and to reduce the amountof time to enter building to establish communications, the preferredradio site 303 is determined 304A. The map 300 is then oriented withnorth aligned beneath tripod 100G in this step 305A. In this step 306A,the antenna 122 is aimed in the direction of the radio site 303. Theantenna elements 122A are checked for alignment and correctly oriented(e.g. vertical in the case of a Yagi directional antenna) as part ofthis step 307A. The remaining components of the coverage system aredeployed and the coverage system is enabled during this step 308A.

A check may be performed using a portable radio to confirm that coveragehas been enabled in step 309A. In one test, a first portable radio mayhave its portable antenna removed. The first portable radio attempts totransmit to a second portable radio. (The amplifier's power is offduring this test). Once an error message is received by the first radioindicating that the signals to a second radio cannot be received, theamplifier is turned on. At this point, the first radio should attempt totransmit a signal to the second radio. The signal from the first radioto the second radio should be able to be received once the amplifier hasbeen turned on. Another suitable test procedure could be used in placeof this method to test the system quickly.

The results of the check are evaluated as part of step 310A. If theresults of the test are positive, the system is providing coverage instep 310A. If the results of the test are not positive, an alternateradio site (e.g. 304 is determined in step 312A and steps starting withthe aiming of the directional antenna step 306A in direction of theradio site 303 are repeated in sequence until a positive result for step310A is obtained.

The system can establish communications rapidly through quick deploymentand a simple set up configuration. The set up has simple orientations toensure reliable set up with accuracy. Additionally, the set up can takeplace with a single person. The set up may also use a database ofpreferred radio sites instead of a regional grid map identifying thepreferred local radio sites.

FIG. 4 shows a view of typical system deployment 400 for buildingcoverage enhancement at a location requiring radio coverage enhancement302 at a building 401 having multiple floors. The portable antenna kitwith the outdoor antenna raised 100J is located outside the building 401on the ground 402 at the geographic location requiring radio coverageenhancement 302. The building 401 has a roof 403, windows 405, groundfloor 407, interior doorway seen through window 404, and an exteriorwall 419. The building has floors second 408 through seventh 413 whichare considered as part of the system deployment.

Based on the regional radio system grid map 300 or the operator's ownunderstanding of geography, the antenna kit may be oriented towards thebuilding entranceway to dispense cable most safely and effectively.After orienting the gridmap 300 in the northward direction 301, theregional radio system grid map 300 is used to determine the direction toaim outdoor antenna 311. The outdoor antenna is aimed in the mostacceptable line-of-sight path to the preferred radio system sitelocation 303. The double ball joint on the amplifier kit may be usefulin orienting the antenna boom in the proper direction 311 whilesimultaneously aligning the vertical elements coincident with thevertical plane.

FIG. 4A shows a closer perspective view 400A of a typical systemdeployment for building coverage enhancement at a location requiringradio coverage enhancement 302 (a building 401 having multiple floors).A closer view of a typical system deployment for building coverageenhancement 400A shows the outdoor antenna raised 100J and connectedwith an outdoor antenna cable 121 to the amplifier kit. The tripod has atelescoping section 135 which is in raised position. The antenna kit isalso connected to the amplifier kit with a short segment of an indoorantenna cable 121B. The long segment of the indoor antenna cable 132leads into the main entrance door 415 of the building 401. 121B and 132are segments of an otherwise continuous cable connecting the amplifierwith the indoor antenna.

The regional radio system grid map 300 is shown on the ground with thetop of the map aligned to correspond to the North direction indicator301. The direction to aim outdoor antenna 311 is also provided on themap 300. The boom of the outdoor antenna is aimed to point in thisdirection 311 toward the preferred radio system site location 303. Thevertical elements of the boom are aligned to be perpendicular to levelground.

In this closer perspective view of the building 401, in addition to theground floor 407, second floor 408, third floor 409, fourth floor 410,fifth floor 411, sixth floor 412, and seventh floor 413, and a roofaccess door 414 are shown from this view on the roof 403.

FIG. 4B shows an enlarged view 400B of portable antenna kit and portableamplifier kit deployed at a location requiring radio coverageenhancement 302 at a building 401 having multiple floors. The enlargedview 400B of a portable antenna kit and amplifier kit deployed bybuilding 401 illustrates the portable antenna kit with the outdoorantenna raised 100J. The outdoor antenna is at the end of the raisedtelescoping section of the tripod 135 and the antenna is more clearlyseen to be in communication configuration (elements of the boom arevertical or perpendicular to level ground). The outdoor antenna cable121 is connected to the outdoor antenna and amplifier kit. A shortsegment of indoor antenna cable 121B connects the antenna kit to theamplifier kit. A long segment of indoor antenna cable 132 leads from theantenna kit over the ground 402 onto the ground floor 407 of thebuilding 401 through the main entrance doorway 415. The locationrequiring radio coverage enhancement 302 is illustrated with theessential components of the outdoor components deployed outside thebuilding 401.

FIG. 4C shows a cut away view 400C of a cable from the antenna kit tothe indoor antenna coverage location. The cut away view of a cableconnecting the antenna kit to the indoor antenna coverage location 400Cprovides a view of the long segment of the indoor antenna cable 132extending from the antenna kit (which is located outside the building onthe ground) on the ground floor to the fourth floor in an upwardsdirection 418 in the stairwell 417. The cable 132 may proceed straightup along the stairwell wall 416 past the ground floor 407, the secondfloor 408, third floor 409, and ending on the fourth floor 410. In thisway, less cable is used in this vertical path of the cable and lesscable is placed on the path of travel on the stairs 417. In analternative embodiment, the cable may be placed along each step on thestairway and across the midfloor landing 420. However, this path mayrequire more cable to be used. Based on the specific area of thebuilding requiring communication coverage enhancement will require thebest available path to deploy the cable to provide the desired patternof communication coverage enhancement. Optionally, an extended antennakit or kits may be used to place incremental indoor antennas along thepath to an ultimate or terminal indoor antenna location thus creating adistributed antenna array effecting coverage over a wide internal areaof the building.

The indoor antenna 133 and long segment of the indoor antenna cable 132are ultimately located on the fourth floor 410. The antenna 133 may besuspended from cable 132 draped over a door or edge, or mounted usingvarious accessories standing on the floor or table or hung from anoverhead fixture as shown later in FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C.Communication coverage enhancement may be provided to floors adjacentbased on the coverage of the indoor antenna and the buildingconstruction, materials, and other environmental conditions. Forexample, coverage on the fifth floor 411 may be enhanced, while theindoor antenna is located on the fourth floor 410. In this way, coveragemay be provided to floor that is not yet secure without requiringcommunication personnel to step foot on the unsecured floor. Directionalversus omni directional antennas may be selected for this very purposesuch as the patch or Yagi antenna shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C. Suchantennas will concentrate more signal energy in the particular directionthey are aimed such as upper floors 5 through 7 if aimed upward fromfloor 4.

Based on the area of the building requiring communication coverageenhancement, the configuration will be determined for the locationrequiring radio coverage enhancement 302. In particular, windows 405located throughout the building may also be used to establishcommunication coverage enhancement. The technique of placing the outdoorantenna and/or amplifier kit indoors aimed out windows may be used toreduce the path of cable traveling through the building. In oneembodiment, the cable could lead directly from the outdoor antenna kitoutside on the ground up the side of the building and in through awindow on the particular floor in need of coverage enhancement. This maybe used based on the building configuration, material construction,access to the building, available equipment (i.e. ladder and availablelength of cable), configuration factors such as isolation, coverageareas, access to the building as well as time.

Based on the area requiring communication, the outdoor antenna may belocated inside and pointed in the direction of the preferred radiosystem site location 303 through a window. In this alternateconfiguration, the building's internal structure may be used to provideisolation between the indoor antenna and outdoor antenna. Since elementsof the this communication enhancement invention are portable, a varietyof configurations are possible and may be used to enhance communicationsincluding configurations where the outdoor antenna, the indoor antenna,and the amplifier kit may all be located inside the building, outsidethe building, or any combination. The amplifier kit and the antenna kitare portable and can be set up in a variety of configurations toovercome communication obstacles.

In another embodiment, the cable 132 used in the area needingcommunication coverage enhancement may be a type of coaxial cablereferred to as “leaky coax” and may be used to provide radio coverage toan increasingly distributed coverage area. In one embodiment, the leakycoax may extend vertically as shown in the drawing or it may used to layhorizontally over the stairway and midfloor landing. In one embodiment,a portion of the cable (132) may be a type of low loss coaxial cable andanother portion of the cable (132) may be a type of leaky coax. In oneembodiment, the leaky coax portion of the cable (132) may be used at anend portion of cable (132) in place of an indoor antenna (133).Preferably, the portion of the cable (132) which is shown to bypass theexterior wall or other source of radio signal attenuation will have aslittle loss as possible. In another embodiment, a low loss coaxialportion may lead to a directional coupler or splitter, where twoseparate cables extend from said coupler one being an additional portionof low loss coaxial cable and another portion being a leaky coaxialcable portion. Many other combinations and permutations may be readilyimplemented.

FIG. 4D shows a view 400D of the indoor antenna location deployed at thefourth floor of building requiring radio coverage enhancement 302. Theindoor antenna location on the fourth floor of building 400D shows acloser view of the indoor antenna 133 connected to the long segment ofthe indoor antenna cable 132 on the fourth floor 410. The cable 132 isillustrated extending in an upward direction 418 and laying across aportion of the stairs 417 on the fourth floor. The indoor antenna islocated just outside the stairwell doorway 421 and may be variouslysupported or mounted as described above.

As mentioned previously, this location of the indoor antenna near thefourth floor stairwell doorway could also be achieved through a varietyof configurations. Alternatively, the cable could extend in an upwarddirection from the antenna kit on the ground floor and enter thebuilding through a window. Alternatively, the outside antenna and/or theamplifier kit could also be located in the building. In anotherconfiguration, the outdoor antenna could be located inside the buildingand pointed out of a window or other entranceway or portal. In yetanother embodiment elements of the system including the outdoor antennaand amplifier could be located on the roof of the building 403.

FIG. 5 is a view 500 of a vehicle borne portable radio enhancementsystem. This vehicle born portable radio enhancement system view 500shows a portable amplifier kit 101, portable antenna kit 120, and anoutdoor antenna 122 secured to an emergency response vehicle 501. Theportable amplifier kit 101 is secured in place using a portableamplifier kit retention strap 503 to extend across the door 101D of theportable amplifier case. The portable amplifier is secured at the bottomby being placed in a kit bin 502.

On the opposite side of the end portion of the emergency responsevehicle 501, a portable antenna kit retention strap 504 is used tosecure a top portion of the antenna kit into place against the backsurface of the emergency response vehicle 501. The bottom of the antennakit rests on a rotating portable antenna kit mounting platform 506.

In this configuration, the outdoor antenna cable 121 is pre-connected tothe amplifier kit and the antenna kit. The outdoor antenna cable 121 issecured into place out of the way of normal operations in a portion ofthe rear of the emergency response vehicle between the antenna kit andthe amplifier kit using cable clamps 505. Short segment of the indoorantenna cable 121B is connected to the antenna kit and the indoorantenna. Long segment of the indoor antenna cable 132 is wrapped aroundthe cable organizer attached to the antenna kit. The indoor antenna 133is secured into place against the spine of cable organizer 125 in acentral position surrounded by the coil of the indoor antenna cable 132.An upper cable retention strap 130 and a lower cable retention strap130B hold the indoor antenna cable in a coiled configuration attached tothe cable organizer. Portable antenna kit tripod 120 is also securedagainst the rear of the vehicle along with the outdoor antenna 122 byretaining strap 504.

FIG. 5A shows a close-up view 500A of the vehicle borne portable radioenhancement system. Portable antenna kit tripod 120 and an outdoorantenna 122 are secured to an emergency response vehicle 501 byrotatable base 506 and retaining strap 504. The portable amplifier kit101 is secured in place using a portable amplifier kit retention strap503 to extend across the door 101D of the portable amplifier case.Portable amplifier base is secured in a kit bin 502.

In this view, the rubber foot 124R at the end of the protrusions of thecable organizer are more clearly visible.

FIG. 5B is a further close-up view 500B of the portable antenna kitmounted on emergency response vehicle in the vehicle borne portableradio enhancement system.

The portable antenna kit retention strap 504 is seen at the top of theportable antenna kit spanning across the outdoor antenna 122, the dualball joint 134, and the top of the telescoping mast securing them to therear of the emergency response vehicle. The outdoor antenna cable 121 isconnected to the outdoor antenna near the top of the antenna kit. Theoutdoor antenna cable 121 extends to a downward position where it isclamped against the rear of the vehicle alongside the short segment ofthe indoor antenna cable 121B.

A long segment of indoor antenna cable 132 is wrapped around a centralportion of the cable organizer. At the top just below an adjuster forthe second telescoping section 123C, a top portion of the coil of indoorantenna cable 132 is held into place with an upper cable retention strap130. At the bottom of the cable organizer, a lower cable retention strap130B holds the lower portion of the coil of indoor antenna cable 132 inplace. Near the bottom of the cable organizer on the left is tripod leg123F and on the right of the cable organizer is a tripod leg 123E. Thecoil of indoor antenna cable is wound around protrusions of the cableorganizer covering the protrusions except for the rubber foot 124R nearthe end of each of the protrusion tips. The antenna kit at the bottomrests on a rotating portable antenna kit mounting platform 506. Arectangular portion of the cable organizer can be seen inside the coilof wound cable. The indoor antenna 133 is securely attached to the spine125 of the cable organizer on the inside of the wound cable. A pigtailcable 132A can be seen attached to a bottom portion of the indoorantenna. It should be noted that the antenna stand may be quicklyremoved from the vehicle if needed by simply releasing retaining strap504 and lifting the entire kit up and off of platform 506. Once removed,the antenna system may be portably deployed as described in previousparagraphs.

FIG. 5C shows a view 500C of the portable amplifier kit mounted on anemergency response vehicle in the vehicle borne portable radioenhancement system. The bottom of the portable amplifier kit 101 isseated in a portable amplifier kit bin 502 on the back of an emergencyresponse vehicle. A portable amplifier kit retention strap 503 spansacross the top of the amplifier kit and holds the amplifier kit againstthe emergency response vehicle. The door 101D of the portable amplifiercase is in closed position with the hinge side of the amplifier caserunning from top to bottom on the left side of the amplifier kit. Theoutdoor antenna cable 121 connects to the outdoor antenna connector porton the top right of the amplifier case. The short segment of the indoorantenna cable 121B is connected to the indoor antenna connector portadjacent to the outdoor antenna connector port on the top right of theamplifier case. The two cables extend alongside each other from the topof the amplifier case to a position to the left of the bottom of theamplifier case. It should be noted that the amplifier kit may be quicklyremoved from the vehicle simply by releasing retaining strap 503 andlifting the amplifier kit up and out of bin 502. Once removed, theamplifier kit may be portably deployed as described in previousparagraphs.

FIG. 5D is a view 500D of the vehicle borne portable radio enhancementsystem in the deployed configuration. The portable amplifier kit 101 issecured on one end of the emergency vehicle with a portable amplifierkit retention strap 503 spanning across the top of the amplifier kit andthe bottom of the amplifier resting in a portable amplifier kit bin 502.Cable clamps 505 secure the cables leading from the amplifier along abottom portion of the emergency response vehicle. The outdoor antennacable 121 and the short segment of the indoor antenna cable 121B leadfrom the amplifier kit until reaching the left most cable clamp 505.From this leftmost cable clamp near the bottom of the emergency responsevehicle, the outdoor antenna cable 121 extends upward connecting to theoutdoor antenna 122. The short segment of the indoor antenna cable 121Bleads back to the antenna kit.

The outdoor antenna is located at the top of an outdoor antenna mast ina position above the emergency response vehicle 501. A top portion ofthe portable antenna kit is secured to the back of the emergency vehiclewith a portable antenna kit retention strap 504. The adjustor for thesecond telescoping section 123C and the adjuster for the firsttelescoping section 123B are turned to extend the antenna mast into anelevated position and then locked into place. The long segment of indoorantenna cable 132 is deploying from cable organizer 520 and headed forthe building ingress as both the upper cable retention strap 130 and thelower cable retention strap 130B are unattached from the cable organizerallowing the cable connected to the indoor antenna 133 to deploy.

The rotating portable antenna kit mounting platform 506 is turnedslightly away from the rear of the emergency response vehicle in afashion to align the cable organizer in the direction of the buildingingress so that cable 132 pays out easily as indoor antenna 133 istransported to and into the building.

Many alternative attachment locations and mechanisms for both antennasystem and amplifier system on many different types of vehicles arepossible and contemplated to all be part of this invention. For example,the components could be mounted to either side, the front, or the top ofa truck. A helicopter could also be used to mount and deliver theequipment to a coverage enhancement scene. The system could be mountedon a stationary structure such as a maintenance outbuilding, safelyremoved from the structure requiring coverage where it would not bedamaged in the event of a disaster in that building, but also quicklydetachable and deployable in a fully portable way.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view 600A of a schematic of a hybrid system withstandard interface box. The built-in outdoor antenna 622 is mounted onthe building roof 403 preferably using a non-penetrating antenna system632. Concrete block or sand bag ballast may be used to mount thenon-penetrating roof stand 691 and non-penetrating roof stand base 692on the roof 403. Alternatively, an existing building mast or otherattachment point may be utilized. The built-in outdoor antenna 622 is aYagi directional antenna and will be aimed at a tower located in apreferred proximity or orientation with the closest and mostunobstructed path. Consideration of other radio systems such as cellularor private radio systems should also be considered when selecting theoutdoor antenna location and orientation. Other antenna types andconfigurations may be used. A panel antenna may also be used. Coaxialcable shield is to be grounded via 6 AWG cable with appropriateweatherproofing at the connection point to the coaxial cable. Coaxialcable 610 extends from the roof top antenna system down the building tothe interior wall space directly adjacent to the In-BuildingCommunication (IBC) Interface Box where the cable 610 connects to therear antenna port 603 on the standard building interface box 601. Thelow loss coaxial cable 610 connects the antenna to a rear antenna port603 inside of the interface box 601. A surge suppressor 624 is locatedinside interface box between the outdoor antenna connection port 618 andthe rear antenna connection port 603 protecting the outdoor antennacable system and building systems in the event of a lightning strike.The surge suppressor has a robust ground connection via terminal 630,conductor 605, and ground stake 606.

The standard building interface box 601 may also be referred to as anemergency radio coverage system access panel, in building communicationsinterface, communications panel, interface box, and other combinationsthereof. The outdoor antenna system 632 is now accessible through theoutdoor antenna connection port 618 of the interface box 601 which islocated on the exterior wall 419 of the building at a ground levellocation conveniently attended by first responders entering thebuilding. In this embodiment, the outdoor antenna system is accessibleto the emergency response personnel behind the door 621 of the interfacebox 601. Authorized access to the panel is enforced by a lock 602 orother securing to prevent access to the panel by unauthorized personnel.Preferably the panel would allow emergency personnel or authorizedpersonnel to establish communications status without entering thebuilding. Other locations may be used which are easily accessible tofire, other public safety, or building premise personnel.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the built in indoor antenna 633 willtypically be positioned at a ceiling height near the center of thebuilding or other suitable position in the building to provide coverageenhancement as needed. The small, lightweight antenna 633 may beconnected via a magnetic base to a suitable steel structure or dropstrut of the ceiling 640. Other suitable fasteners, clamp, adhesivebacking, Velcro-type hook and loop, and other securing mechanisms may beused to connect to the antenna to a structure inside of the building.Low loss coaxial cable 609 connects the indoor antenna 633 to the indoorantenna rear port 604 on the in-Building Communication (IBC) Interfacebox through holes in the exterior wall 419. The indoor antenna system631 is now accessible through the front antenna connection port 617 ofthe interface box which is located on the exterior wall 419 of thebuilding at a ground level location easily accessible to fire and otherpublic safety personnel. A ¼ 20 ground terminal 630 along with groundstake 606 and 6 AWG cable 605 are provided for earth grounding near thebox location.

FIG. 6A provides a schematic representation 600A of a hybrid system withthe portable amplifier kit connected to the outdoor antenna system. Asbefore, the built in antenna systems are pre-configured and connected tothe IBC Interface Box. The IBC Interface Box 601 has the security lock(not shown) removed and front door in open position (not shown). The IBCInterface Box 601 is connected via a coaxial cable 612 from the indoorantenna front port on the Interface Box to the indoor antenna connectorport 104 on the portable amplifier kit 101. The portable amplifier kit101 is connected via a coaxial cable 611 from the outdoor antennaconnection front port 618 on the interface box 601 to the outdoorantenna connector port 105 on the portable amplifier kit 101. Theportable amplifier kit 101 includes: a BDA 141, a SIPS Power and ControlModule 636, and a carrying case. The case of the amplifier kit 101includes a power push button 106 and a status light 107 whichcommunicate information from the SIPS power and control module 244located on the inside of the case to the outside of the case.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the standard interface box 601 with the door621 closed. The standard building interface box 601 may be pre-assembledand may be mounted to the exterior face of the building at a groundlevel location easily accessible to fire and other safety personnel. Ahinge 670 is located on one side of the interface box. A cable 605 forearth grounding near the box location to an appropriate groundingmechanism is also attached to the standard interface box 601. Mountingears 614 or other mechanisms may be used to attach the IBC assembly tothe building or structure surface.

FIG. 6C is a front view of the standard interface box with the door 621open with a cable jumper 616 in place. The cable jumper 616 connects thefront indoor antenna port in the standard building interface box 617 tothe outdoor antenna front port in the standard building interface box618. This implements a passive coverage system which may be of someutility under certain circumstances even without a portable amplifierbeing connected. The inside of the door 621 includes a pocket 620 and aregional radio system grid map 300. The door of the interface box 601 isconnected to the interface box 601 by a hinge 670. The front port of theoutdoor antenna in the standard building interface box 618 eventuallyconnects to the outdoor antenna (not shown) through various circuitelements and cables (not shown). A cable conduit 615 exits the top ofthe interface box as an optional route to connections at the outdoorantenna. In this embodiment, the fixed indoor antenna system interfacesdirectly with the fixed outdoor antenna system. In this embodiment, noportable equipment is used. The jumper is quickly removable and aportable amplifier system may be readily connected to providebi-directional boosting of signal levels communicating between theoutdoor and indoor antennas.

FIG. 6D is a front view 600D of the standard interface box with the dooropen and the cable jumper removed. The interface box includes twopolarized connectors on the right side of the front panel of theinterface box. An earth ground cable 605 is connected to the lower rightcorner of the interface box 601 at terminal 630. The indoor antennafront port 617 is located on the upper right near the top portion of theinterface box. The front port 617 has a polarized surface for matingwith a cable connector. The outdoor antenna front port 618 is located onthe right side beneath the indoor antenna port 617 and has polarizationopposite of the indoor antenna port 617. This assures correct connectionof outdoor antenna system to amplifier outdoor antenna port and indoorantenna system to amplifier indoor antenna port. Put simply, connectorgender prevents misconnection.

FIG. 6E is a cut away front view 600E of the standard interface box withthe door open and with both the cable jumper and standard connectormounting panel removed. A regional radio system grid map 300 is includedon the inside of the door 621 of the standard building interface box601. With the standard connector mounting panel 619 (not shown) removedthe cable connections between the indoor antenna, front port, standardbuilding interface box 617 and the outdoor antenna, front port, standardbuilding interface box 618 can be more easily observed. A cable 628connects the indoor front port 617 on the right top portion to theindoor rear port 604 on the left upper portion of the standard buildinginterface box.

The outdoor antenna front port 618 is connected via cable 626 to a surgesuppressor 624. The cable surge suppressor 624 is connected to theoutdoor antenna rear port 603 via cable 627. The surge suppressor 624 isconnected to the standard interface box via mounting and groundingbracket for surge suppressor 625. The location of the front and rearports are interchangeable, so long as the polarization of the connectorsis maintained enabling a device on the outside of the box to beconnected to the proper indoor or outdoor antenna.

FIG. 6F is a rear view 600F of the standard interface box as it would beseen looking through the wall upon which it is mounted. The standardbuilding interface box 601 is shown to have an outdoor antenna rear port603 on the lower right of the interface box and an indoor antenna rearport 604 in this view. The earth ground cable 605 is located on thelower left of the standard building interface box 601 with the hinge 670located on the left.

The standard building interface box 601 includes: four mounting flangeears 614 for fastener mounting to the building surface. Other attachmentmechanisms are contemplated. The approximate size of the box is 12″ wideby 15″ tall by 7″ deep. Two cable connection rear ports 603, 604 for theoutdoor antenna cable 610 and indoor antenna cable 609 are optionallypositioned for wall side interface respectively. Access holes having adiameter of about 1″ are required to be placed in the wall toaccommodate each cable. A watertight gasket or caulking material wouldbe used between the rear wall of the IBC interface box and the face ofthe structure wall to prevent water from reaching the connections orholes entering the building. Alternative conduit entry at the box top,bottom, or side surfaces may be used instead of one or both of theserear connection points.

FIG. 6G is a rear view 600G of the standard interface box with a mountedoutdoor antenna connected to the standard interface box with the conduitembodiment as compared to the mar connection embodiment. In this rearview, 600G the standard building interface box 601 is shown to have theindoor antenna rear port 604 located on the upper right on the rearexterior wall 617B of the standard building interface box. The conduit615 which connects to the outdoor antenna extends from the top of theinterface box. The earth ground cable 605 is connected to the box on thelower left bottom portion of the standard building interface box. Thehinge 670 is located on the right side of the interface box in thisview.

FIG. 6H is an exterior view 600H of the standard interface box with amounted outdoor antenna connected to the standard interface box via aconduit in a hybrid system implementation. The hybrid system embodimentis shown with the standard interface box 601 mounted to an exterior wall419. The earth ground cable 605 is shown exiting the box on the lowerleft. The conduit 615 is shown extending from the top of the interfacebox along the exterior wall 419 past the roof of the building andconnecting to a built-in outdoor antenna 622. The indoor antenna frontport 617 is shown on the front upper right portion of the standardbuilding interface box 601. The outdoor antenna front port is shown onthe lower front right of the standard building interface box 601 beneaththe indoor antenna front port 617. The door 621 of the standard buildinginterface box 601 is shown in an open position and extending to theleft. The literature pocket 620 is located on an inside portion of thedoor.

FIG. 6I is a cut away view 600I of a hybrid system installed on a floorof a building with the standard interface box connected to an outdoorantenna via a conduit mount and to an array of indoor antennas. Thestandard building interface box 601 is mounted to an exterior wall 419of a building. A conduit 615 runs from the top of the interface boxalongside the exterior wall past the roof 403 to connect to a built-inoutdoor antenna 622. An indoor antenna cable 615 is shown connecting therear of the standard building interface box 601 to an array of built-inindoor antennas 633 mounted on the inside of the building to the ceiling640 and connected using directional couplers or splitters (not calledout). The earth ground stake 606 is sunk in the ground in front of thebuilding and parallel to the exterior wall 419. A cable connects theinterface box to the earth ground stake 606. In this view, both theindoor antennas and the outdoor antenna are built-in (attached to thebuilding) and connected to the interface box in a completelypre-configured fashion.

FIG. 6J is a view 600J of a portion of the hybrid system including theoutdoor antenna mounted on a rooftop with a non-penetrating roof mount.The built-in outdoor antenna 622 is shown on the roof 403 with concreteblocks 690 mounting the antenna to the roof. The cable 610 is seenextending from a port in the roof up to the base of the outdoor antenna622. Cabling to the interface box is routed through the buildinginterior as opposed to externally using conduit.

FIG. 6K is a view 600K of the standard interface box with a portableamplifier connected via cables to the standard interface box. Theportable amplifier kit 101 has a cable 611 leading from the outdoorantenna port on the amplifier kit to the outdoor antenna front port 618on the standard building interface box. The portable amplifier kit 101has a cable 612 leading from the indoor antenna port on the amplifierkit to the indoor antenna front port 617 on the standard buildinginterface box. An earth ground cable 605 extends downward from the lowerright portion of the standard interface box. The door of the standardinterface box is shown in open position with a literature pocket 620 onthe inside of the door. The door is connected to the interface box via ahinge 670. The cables can be connected to the front ports of theinterface box when the door is in open position and any installed jumperis removed.

FIG. 6L is a view 600L of the standard interface box with jumpersattached connecting built-in antenna and amplifier components. Thestandard building interface box, full built in embodiment, is shown witha regional radio system grid map 300 inserted in the literature pocket620 on the inside of the door 621. An earth ground cable 605 is shownexiting the lower left of the box. Mounting flanges 614 are located onthe top portion of the standard interface box. The indoor antenna frontport 617 is connected to the built-in booster indoor antenna front port663 with a jumper 651. The outdoor antenna front port 618 is connectedto a built-in booster outdoor antenna front port 662 with jumper 652.The connector mounting panel 619 of the standard interface box is shownon the front portion of the interface box having four port connections.

FIG. 6M is a view 600M of the standard interface box for use withbuilt-in components of the hybrid system with jumpers removed. Thestandard building interface box in this full built in embodiment, has aregional radio system grid map 300 inserted in the literature pocket 620on the inside of the door 621. An earth ground cable 605 is shownexiting the lower left of the box. Mounting flanges 614 are located onthe top portion of the standard interface box. The indoor antenna frontport 617 is shown on the front portion of the interface box positionedat about the same height as the built-in booster indoor antenna frontport 663 also on the front panel portion of the standard interface box.The outdoor antenna front port 618 is located beneath the indoor antennafront port 617. The outdoor antenna front port 618 is shown at about thesame height as the built-in booster indoor antenna front port 662 alsoon the front panel portion of the standard interface box. The built-inbooster indoor antenna front port 662 is located beneath the built-inbooster indoor antenna front port 663. The connector mounting panel 619of the standard interface box is shown on the front portion of theinterface box having four port openings: the built-in booster indoorantenna front port 663, the built-in booster indoor antenna front port662, the indoor antenna front port 617, and the outdoor antenna frontport 618. The ports have polarized connectors specific to each antennaor signal booster function: indoor or outdoor. Each port is polarizeddifferently, so that the indoor antenna port and the outdoor antennaport connections cannot be misconnected.

FIG. 6N is a rear view 600N of the standard interface box for use withbuilt-in components of the hybrid system. The ear view 600N of thestandard interface box illustrates a rear portion of the interface boxhaving four rear port connections: the built-in booster indoor antennarear port 663A will be connected to the booster indoor antenna port viaa cable run not shown, the built-in booster outdoor antenna rear port662A will be connected to the booster outdoor antenna port via a cablerun not shown, the indoor antenna rear port 604 will be connected to theindoor antenna array as previously described, and the outdoor antennarear port 603 will be connected to the outdoor antenna system aspreviously described. The jumpers 651 and 652 previously shown completethe built in booster to built in antenna system circuit connections. Theadvantage of using the IBC Interface Box lies in the ability affordedfirst responders to quickly bypass and substitute portable componentsfor malfunctioning or disabled built in components in any combinationrequired for the IBC Interface Box located in the relative safety of thebuilding's exterior.

FIG. 6O is a flow chart 600O of a method for deploying enhanced radiocoverage. In step 601A, the portable coverage system arrives at thescene. The portable amplifier 101 is placed near the standardIn-Building Communication interface box (IBC I/F) 601 in step 602O. Thelock 602 is unlocked and the door 621 as part of step 603O. The indooramplifier port 104 is connected to the IBC I/F port 617 using cable 612in step 604O. In step 605O, the outdoor amplifier port 105 is connectedto IBC I/F port 618 using cable 611. As part of optional step 606O, theIBC may be used to diagnose the building system integrity. The resultsof the optional check are evaluated as part of step 607O. A No responseto this check in step 607O leads to step 609O. However, if the result ofthe test is positive in 607O, an immediate start-up procedure isinitiated in step 608O by pushing and releasing amplifier power button.

However, following a no response to the check in step 607O and referenceto the literature in step 609O. The outdoor antenna is evaluated forfailure as part of step 610O. In the event an outdoor antenna failure isidentified as part of step 610O, a portable outdoor antenna may besubstituted for the building antenna as part of step 611O. In the event,the outdoor antenna has not failed or if the outdoor antenna has filedand once a substitute antenna may be inserted, the process continueswith an inspection of the indoor antenna as part of 612O.

Following a yes response for indoor antenna failure check in step 612O,a portable indoor antenna may be substituted for the building antenna aspart of step 613O. Following step 613O and a No response to step 612O,the building is inspected for severe damage as part of step 614O. Ifsevere building damage is identified which may compromise other fixedcomponents of the system, the stand-alone portable system deployment 200is used in step 615O. However, if the severe damage is not identified inresponse to step 614O, the process proceeds to step 608O where theamplifier is powered on with push and release of the power button 106for immediate start-up.

A similar process is applied in the case of the four-port IBC InterfaceBox full built in embodiment described above. In this case, in additionto the integrity checks of built in outdoor and indoor antenna systems,the built in booster system integrity may also be examined. If any ofthe built in components shows malfunction, portable components arrivingsafely and undamaged with first responders may be quickly substitutedovercome the malfunction.

FIG. 7 is a table of preparedness strategies and deploymentconfigurations. The table describes three different types of treatmentscenarios in the second column and relative investment (monetary) interms of first responders and premise(s) in columns three and four. Theconfiguration requirements (portable or built-in) for the outdoorantenna, amplifier, and indoor antenna are indicated in columns six,seven, and eight. It should be noted that these strategies and theirrespective configurations correspond variously to the fully portabledeployment, the IBC Interface Box hybrid embodiment, and the IBCInterface Box full built in embodiment described in the precedingparagraphs.

The first treatment strategy (Strategy #1) in row 2 of the chartindicates that a first responder can provide a completely portablecommunication coverage enhancement requiring no invested equipment inthe premise. Configuration #1 within Strategy #1 represents a passiveenhancement approach where antennas are utilized along with cabling toconvey the signal past the blocking structure without the use of anactive amplifier system (hence passive approach). Configuration #2within Strategy #1 is a typical portable enhancement approach asdescribed earlier using portable outdoor antenna, portable amplifiersystem, and portable indoor antenna or antenna array. Further optionswithin these general configurations include various placements for theportable outdoor antenna, for example, outside the structure mounted onthe ground or mounted on a vehicle, or inside the structure mounted toaim through a window or other opening, or upon the structure such as ona rooftop. Various placements for the portable amplifier are alsocontemplated including near the portable outdoor antenna, near theportable indoor antenna or array, or an arbitrary distance between theoutdoor and indoor antenna. This may result in the portable amplifierbeing located outside the structure on the ground or mounted to avehicle, or inside or upon the structure.

The second treatment strategy (Strategy #2) adjacent to the 2 in thefirst column of the chart indicates that a building with installedstandard interface provides configurations 3-8 (5 differentconfigurations total) utilizing a various combinations of built-in andportable components. The installation of the standard interface boxrequires a moderate investment by the premises and the same investmentby the first responders as the previous strategy #1. However, thestandard interface box provides a number of different configurationoptions which can provide a flexible response to emergency conditionsincluding back up of damaged or inadequate built-in systems.

The third treatment strategy (Strategy #3) adjacent to the 3 in thefirst column of the chart indicates that a building with installedstandard interface provides configurations 9-15 (7 differentconfigurations total) utilizing various combinations of built-in andportable components including antenna subsystems, signal booster, backuppower, and alarm system interconnected using a standard buildinginterface. The installation of the standard interface box requires amoderate investment in the premises and the similar investment by firstresponders as the previous strategies. However, the installed antennasubsystem, signal booster, backup power, and alarm system requiresignificantly more investment in the premises than the previous twotypes of treatment strategies. Again, the standard interface boxprovides a number of different configurations to utilize the installedand portable elements to provide the most effective communicationcoverage enhancement most quickly and flexibly at particular premisesunder particular circumstances.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view 800A of the typical portable In-BuildingCommunication enhancement treatment.

A portable In-Building Communication enhancement treatment is applied toa building 801 and set distance from a radio site 803 such as a radiotower. A portable amplifier kit 804 is located outside the building 801.The outdoor antenna amplifier port 805B of the portable amplifier kit804 is connected via an outdoor antenna cable 805A to a portable outdoorantenna 805. A portable indoor antenna 806 is placed inside the building801. The portable indoor antenna 806 is connected to the indoor antennaamplifier port 807A of the portable amplifier kit 804 with a longsegment of indoor antenna cable 807 and a contiguous short segment 807A.

The amplifier kit is connected to the indoor antenna and portableoutdoor antenna and powered on enhancing radio communications frominside of the building 801 to reach the radio site 803 andcommunications from the radio site 803 outside the building to betransmitted to radio users within the building. The indoor antenna 806and the outdoor antenna 805 are separated by a sufficient distance andstructure, so that oscillation of the amplifier is precluded by adequateisolation. The amplifier kit has an automatic shutdown feature in theevent oscillation or other problematic forms of interference shouldoccur.

The portable In-Building Communication enhancement treatment is simpleto use and can be set up quickly which enables communication to beestablished with less risk to those on-site. In this embodiment, theindoor antenna is the only piece of equipment that is required to bebrought into the building to provide communications. The indoor antennacan be brought into the building as part of the last step inestablishing communications.

FIG. 8B is a schematic 800B of the typical vehicle mounted portableIn-Building Communication enhancement treatment. In this embodiment, allof the components of the portable outdoor amplifier kit 804 and theportable outdoor antenna 805 are mounted to an emergency responsevehicle 808. In this way assembly time can be further reduced, as lesstime is necessary to establish communications by deploying the portableoutdoor antenna from a bag. In this embodiment, the indoor antenna isthe only piece of equipment that needs to be brought inside in order toprovide the portable In-Building Communication enhancement treatment.

FIG. 8C is a schematic 800C of the typical portable In-BuildingCommunication enhancement kit with an extension antenna kit. In thisembodiment, the portable outdoor antenna 805 is located outside thebuilding 801. The portable amplifier kit 804 is attached to the outdoorantenna and is also located outside of the building 801. The portableindoor antenna 806 is located inside the building 801 and is connectedvia an extension cable 812 to a portable extension antenna stand 809.The portable extension antenna stand 809 is coupled to the long segmentof the indoor antenna cable 807 which connects to the amplifier kit. Inthis embodiment, the amplifier kit may be located outside of thebuilding. The portable extension antenna stand 809 has an extensionantenna selection switch 810, an extension indoor antenna 811, and anextension cable 812. Extension antenna selection switch 810 may beactuated to enable or disable signal distribution from interim extensionantenna 811. Signal will be delivered to the ultimate indoor antenna 806regardless of the position of switch 810.

The portable extension antenna stand can provide increased reach of theportable In-Building Communication enhancement treatment with itsaddition of extended length of cable as well as the use of an additionalindoor antenna to provide increased coverage throughout the building. Adistributed antenna system (DAS) may be applied to the building quicklyas part of the overall portable In-Building Communication systemdeployment.

FIG. 8D is a schematic 800D of the typical portable In-BuildingCommunication enhancement kit with an extension cable and a specialtyindoor antenna. In this embodiment, the amplifier kit 804 and theportable outdoor antenna 805 are connected to each other and are locatedoutside the building. The portable amplifier kit is connected to aspecialty portable extension antenna 814 which is located inside thebuilding 801. The specialty portable extension antenna may be selectedbased on the specific handheld radios that are used as part of thesystem, configuration or materials used in the building construction,coverage pattern intent, or other reason specific to the circumstancesand the location in need of communication coverage enhancement.

The amplifier kit in this embodiment is shown connected to the specialtyantenna system 814 via portable extension cable 812, cable coupler 813,and usual indoor antenna connection cable 807. In this embodiment anincreased connection length is used between the amplifier kit 804 andthe indoor antenna 814 using a coupler 813 and cable extension 812. Thetype of cable extension used can be determined based on the length ofcabling required as well as other factors necessary to providecommunication enhancement such as suitable isolation occurring betweenthe amplifier kit and the specialty indoor antenna.

FIG. 8E is a schematic 800E of a typical hybrid system including anattached portable amplifier kit. In this embodiment, the building 801has a standard building interface box 815 attached directly to thebuilding. The standard building interface box 815 is connected to abuilt-in outdoor antenna 818 and a built-in indoor antenna 819 both ofwhich may also may be attached directly to the building.

The standard building interface box 815 includes a standard buildinginterface indoor antenna front port 816A and a standard buildinginterface outdoor antenna front port 817A. The portable amplifier kit804 is located outside the building and includes: an outdoor antennaamplifier port 805B and an indoor antenna amplifier port 807A. An indoorantenna port cable 816 connects the indoor antenna amplifier port 807Aof the amplifier kit 804 to the standard building interface indoorantenna front port 816A. An outdoor antenna port cable 817 connects theoutdoor antenna amplifier port 805B of the amplifier kit 804 to thestandard building interface outdoor antenna front port 817A.

In this embodiment, the amplifier kit is the only piece of portableequipment that is deployed on the scene to enable communicationenhancement. The amplifier kit may be operated outside of the building.This portable set up may proceed more quickly than fully portableconfigurations. The outdoor antenna fixed to the building may be aimedcorrectly without requiring any additional orientation by the operator.In this embodiment, set up time and cost to provide a communicationenhancement to the building may be greatly reduced. Maintenance costsassociated with built in equipment are also optimized as it is far moreeconomical to maintain simpler antenna and cabling systems compared tocomplex electronic amplifier, battery, and alarm systems.

FIG. 8F is a schematic 800F of a hybrid system including a portableamplifier kit bypassing a failed built-in outdoor antenna 818. Perhapsantenna system 818 was damaged by fire, explosion, or weather relatedphenomena. Alternatively, the radio site at which antenna 818 was aimedin fixed fashion at time of installation may be disabled for any ofseveral reasons. There are many potential reasons, especially during adisaster or emergency event, why built in systems may becomedysfunctional. In this embodiment, to overcome a malfunction, a portableamplifier kit 804 is connected to a portable outdoor antenna 805 via anoutdoor antenna cable 805A connected to the outdoor antenna amplifierport 805B of the amplifier. The indoor antenna port cable 816 connectsthe amplifier kit to the standard building interface indoor antennafront port 816A to utilize the built in indoor antenna array which isfound to be functioning without problem at the moment.

The standard building interface outdoor antenna front port 817A providesa connection to the outdoor antenna conveniently outside the building.The built in indoor antenna 819 is connected to the interface box aswell. In the event, the built in outdoor antenna was disabled or notfunctioning, a portable outdoor antenna could be connected directly tothe amplifier kit. In this way, interface box's connections to theindoor antenna could still be utilized, while problems associated withthe built in outdoor antenna could be avoided.

In this embodiment, the interface box mechanism provides a valuabletimesaving and safety enhancement as there is no need for an operator toenter the building, instead using an hybrid configuration both theoutdoor antenna and the amplifier are able to be connected quickly andremain outside with the operator.

FIG. 8G is a schematic 800B of the full built-in system utilizing astandard interface box. In this embodiment, a full built-in systemutilizing a standard interface box provides a fixed In-BuildingCommunication enhancement treatment. A four-port standard buildinginterface box 820 may be secured directly to the building. The interfacebox may include: a standard building interface indoor antenna front port816A, a standard building interface outdoor antenna front port 817A, abuilt in booster outdoor antenna front port 821A, and a built in boosterindoor antenna front port 822A. A built in outdoor antenna 818 and abuilt in indoor antenna 819 are fixed to the building and are connectedto the interface box.

A BDA or other booster may be attached to the building and connected tothe interface box as a built in booster. A jumper, a short segment ofcable, or other connector 821 may be used to connect the built inoutdoor antenna front port to the built in booster outdoor antenna frontport. Another jumper, a short segment of cable, or other connector 822,may be used to connect the built in indoor antenna front port to thebuilt in booster indoor antenna front port. In both cases, the ports arepolarized so that the proper connectors or fitting with the appropriatepolarity must be used to make the proper connection corresponding to thecable leading to the proper antenna system.

In this embodiment, the building has a fixed In-Building Communicationenhancement treatment and, if all of these fixed systems are functioningwithout problem, no portable components are required for coverageenhancement.

However, if any built in components become damaged or malfunction,portable replacements may be easily substituted to restore coverageenhancement. FIG. 8H is a schematic 800H of the built-in system usingportable systems bypassing a failed built in antenna and failed built inamplifier. In this embodiment, a portable amplifier kit 804 and aportable outdoor antenna 805 are connected to an interface box attachedto a building which has been previously treated with a fixed In-BuildingCommunication system. In the schematic, both the outdoor antenna and thebooster which were part of the fixed In-Building Communicationenhancement treatment are broken and not functioning.

However, the interface box provides the necessary connecting ports for aportable amplifier kit 804 to connect to the remaining operationalcomponents of the fixed In-Building Communication enhancement treatmenteasily. In this embodiment, the portable outdoor antenna 805 isconnected to the outdoor antenna portable amplifier port 805B with anoutdoor antenna cable 805A. An indoor antenna port cable 816 connects tothe standard building interface indoor antenna front port 816A to theportable amplifier kit indoor antenna port thus connecting and utilizingbuilt in indoor antennas which are part of the fixed in-buildingcommunication systems still functioning properly. This flexibleconfigurability is enabled via the building standard IBC Interface Box,a key element of the present invention.

Overall, the IBC Interface Box enables a portable solution to be used inthe event any components of the fixed in-building communicationenhancement are disabled. This allows a booster such as a BDA to bestored safely off-site and applied quickly as an emergency backup. Thisembodiment also demonstrates important set up time and cost reductionadvantages. A BDA stored off site provides important back up for anumber of buildings in the event an emergency damages a fixed system atany of them. The interface box makes the functioning components of thefixed in-building communication enhancement system in a given buildingeasily accessible in the relative safety of the building's exterior tothe first responders during an emergency or non-emergency event.

FIG. 8I is a schematic 800I of portable deployment showing a portableamplifier kit located midway between portable outdoor and indoorantennas and including an extension antenna kit. A portable amplifierkit 804 is connected to a portable outdoor antenna 805 via an indoorantenna cable, long segment 807, a cable coupler 813, and an outdoorantenna cable 805A. The extended cable length may be used to provide theoptimal positioning of the outdoor components (amplifier kit and outdoorantenna), indoor components (indoor antenna and cable), sufficientlength to cable around a radio barrier, necessary isolation between theindoor antenna and outdoor antenna, sufficient slack to enter thebuilding entranceway quickly, or other safety or operationalconsideration.

The amplifier kit 804 is connected to the indoor antenna via anextension cable 812 which is connected to a portable extension antennastand 809. The portable extension antenna stand 809 provides connectionto a portable indoor antenna 806 and an extension indoor antenna 811. Anextension antenna selection switch 810 is located between the extensionindoor antenna 811 and the portable extension antenna stand 809. In thisembodiment, extensions are demonstrated between the amplifier kit andthe outdoor antenna and between the amplifier kit and the indoorantenna. The portable antenna stand may provide extension cable forconnecting the amplifier kit to an indoor antenna. In addition, theportable antenna stand may have an alternate connection to an alternateantenna stand.

FIG. 9A is a gain map 900A depicting a building with no treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission. A portable radio receiver 950 in abuilding 906 receives a downlink transmission from a radio sitetransmitter 901. The radio site transmitter has an output power orEffective Radiated Power (ERP) of about 40 dBm 901A. Assuming afrequency of about 860 MHz, for example, the transmitted signal wouldthen have a loss of approximately −105.0 dB after traveling 5 km 905AAthrough free space. (Other conditions may affect the transmission duringits transmission such as humidity, weather, and other atmosphericconditions. Testing should take place at a given site to determinesuitability for each particular location.) As a result, the signal atthis point arriving at the building has an estimated power level of−65.0 dBm 905A. Upon reaching the building, the signal experiences anadditional loss of 40 dB 906AA as it travels through Fire Type 1building material (heavy concrete or masonry construction) providing apower level of −105.0 dBm 906A to the portable radio receiver inside thebuilding. This signal level is below acceptable levels generallyrequired for error free reception of transmitted information. This isone indication of the need for radio coverage enhancement.

FIG. 9B is a gain map 900B depicting a building with portable coverageenhancement treatment receiving a downlink transmission. A portableradio receiver 950 receives a downlink transmission from a radio sitetransmitter 901. A dotted line forms a box around the donor antenna,cable, amplifier, cable, and indoor antenna components representing theportable coverage enhancement system that is applied to the building.Once again, the radio site transmitter 901 has an ERP 901B of about 40dBm. The transmitted signal is attenuated approximately 105 dB aftertraveling 5 km 905BB through free space. The signal at this point has apower level of −65.0 dBm 905B. Upon reaching a directional donor antenna910, the signal experiences a gain of 10 dB 910BB providing a signalpower level of −55.0 dBm 910B to the coaxial connecting cable 915.

Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signal nextexperiences a loss of about (1.5 dB 915BB traversing the cable 915 forapproximately 3 m 915BB. The signal power level reaching the amplifier920 is therefore about −55.5 dBm 915B. The amplifier 920 provides a gainof 75 dB 920BB boosting the signal power level to 19.5 dBm 920B. Cable925 leads from the amplifier to an indoor antenna approximately and is30 m in length imparting an expected loss of 5 dB 925BB which furtherreduces the signal power to 14.5 dBm 925B. The cable may lead fromoutside of the building where the amplifier kit and donor antenna aretypically located in this embodiment to the indoor antenna which istypically located inside of the building in this embodiment. The cablemay cross the exterior wall of the building or other barrier. Using anamplifier to boost the received signal and a low loss cable to deliverthe boosted signal to an indoor antenna across all building wall orother material attenuators is advantageous. It provides a by-pass of thebuilding wall and other attenuators that weaken an already low signallevel below levels acceptable for reliable communications within.

An omni directional antenna may be used as an indoor antenna 940 with noappreciable gain or loss. In the scenario of FIG. 9B, the signalradiates from the indoor antenna 30 m from the indoor antenna throughfree space 945 before finally reaching the portable radio receiver 950experiencing a loss of about 60 dB 945BB reaching the portable radio ata power level of about −45.5 dBm 945B. The signal level available to theportable receiver in the coverage enhanced scenario of FIG. 9B istherefore 60 dB higher than the untreated scenario depicted in FIG. 9Aand is well above acceptable levels for error free reception oftransmitted information.

The gain map show in FIG. 9B shows the benefit to signal power level ofthe treated (−45 dBm versus the untreated gain map shown in FIG. 9Awhere the received signal strength was −105.0 dBm 905A. As stated, thegain in signal strength provided by the portable coverage enhancementsystem is significant as it may enable an emergency responder to receivea life saving communications over the portable radio while inside thebuilding.

FIG. 9C is a gain map 900C complementary to the scenario of FIG. 9Bdepicting a portable radio 950 sending an uplink signal from inside abuilding with portable treatment. The portable radio 950 has an ERP 950Cof about 30 dBm. A dotted line again delineates the portable coverageenhancement system being applied to the building. The transmitted signalis attenuated approximately 60 dB after traveling 30 m 945CC throughfree space. The signal at this point has a power level of −30.0 dBm945C. Upon reaching an indoor antenna, no appreciable gain or loss 940CCis experienced by the signal and the signal has a power level of −30.0dBm 940C. The signal next experiences a loss of 5.0 dB 925CC as thesignal travels through a typical low loss coaxial cable approximately 30m in length. At this point, the signal power is −35.0 dBm 925C. The lossexperienced by the radio signal traveling through cable as the cableexits the building is preferable to the loss experienced by a signalexiting the building which must travel directly through the buildingexterior wall and other physical structures. The amplifier 920 isconfigured to provide a gain of 60 dB 920CC boosting the signal powerlevel to 25 dBm 920C. Cable 915 from the amplifier leads to the portabledonor antenna approximately 3 m further imparting a loss of about −0.5dB 915CC reducing signal power to 24.5 dBm 915C. A Yagi directionalantenna may be used as the donor antenna 910CC to provide an importantdirectional gain and reduce potential interference. In the scenario ofFIG. 9C, the signal radiates from the donor antenna about 5 km throughfree space 905CC before finally reaching the radio site 901 experiencinga loss of about −105 dB 905CC where the signal reaches the portableradio at a level expected to be −70.5 dBm 905C. The signal levelavailable to the receiver in the coverage enhanced scenario of FIG. 9Cis well above acceptable levels for error fret reception of transmittedinformation.

The gain map in FIG. 9C illustrates the benefit to signal power level ofthe treated system (−70.5 dBm) for sending a radio transmission frominside a building. As stated previously, the gain in signal strengthprovided by the portable coverage enhancement system is significantbecause it may enable an emergency responder to send a life savingcommunications over the portable radio inside the building.

FIG. 9D is a gain map 900D depicting a building with no treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission from an alternate source 901. Aportable radio receiver 950 in a building 906 receives a downlinktransmission from a radio site transmitter 901. The radio sitetransmitter has an output power or Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 40dBm 901D. Assuming a frequency of about 860 MHz for example, for thetransmitted signal would experience a loss of approximately −90.0 dBafter traveling 1 km 905DD through free space. As a result, the signalat this point has a power level of about −50.0 dBm 905D. Upon reachingthe building, the signal experiences an additional loss of about 50 dB906DD as the radio signal travels through Fire Type 1 building material(heavy concrete or masonry construction) providing a power level of−100.0 dBm 906D to the portable radio receiver inside the building. Thissignal level is below acceptable levels generally required for errorfree reception.

FIG. 9E is a gain map 900E depicting a building with hybrid treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission while in passive configuration. Aportable radio receiver 950 receives a downlink transmission from aradio site transmitter 901. A dotted line is illustrated forming a boxaround the jumper cable which connects the passive components applied tothe building through the standard interface box 601. The radio sitetransmitter 901 has an ERP 901E of about 40 dBm. The transmitted signalis attenuated approximately 90 dB after traveling 1 km 905EE throughfree space. The signal at this point has a power level of −50.0 dBm905E. Upon reaching a donor antenna 910, the signal experiences a gainof 10 dB 910EE providing a signal power level of about −40.0 dBm 910E tocoaxial connecting cable 915. The donor antenna in this embodiment mayalso be a directional antenna, such as a Yagi antenna. In thisembodiment, the antenna may be in an outdoor location fixed to thebuilding. Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signalnext experiences a loss of about 2.5 dB 915EE traveling through thecable 915 for approximately 15 m 915EE. The signal power level reachingthe jumper 921 is −42.5 dBm 915E. The jumper 921 is part of theinterface box 601 and being very short provides no appreciable gain orloss 921EE leaving the signal power level largely unchanged at −42.5 dBm921E. Cable 925 leads from the jumper in the interface box to a cableabout 15 m in length imparting a loss of −2.5 dB 925BB further reducingthe signal power to −45.0 dBm 925E. The cable may lead from theinterface box which is mounted on an exterior wall of the building tothe indoor door antenna which may be located on the inside of thebuilding in this embodiment. The cable may cross the exterior wall ofthe building or other barrier. Enabling the signal to cross the barrierinside of a cable is preferable to attempting to penetrate the exteriorwall or other additional barriers directly. As a result, transmission ofthe radio signal in the cable provides a by-pass of the radio signalaround the building wall and prevents the building wall from weakeningthe radio signal significantly.

An omni directional antenna may be used as an indoor antenna 940 with noappreciable gain or loss 940EE. In the scenario of FIG. 9E, the signalradiates from the indoor antenna about 10 m through free space 945EEbefore finally reaching the portable radio receiver 950 experiencing aloss of about 50 dB 945EE. The signal reaches the portable radio at apower level of about −95.0 dBm 945E. The signal level available to theportable receiver in the coverage enhanced scenario of FIG. 9E is 5 dBhigher than the untreated scenario depicted in FIG. 9D. The gain map inFIG. 9E illustrates a small gain to signal power level of the passivelytreated versus untreated scenario (−95 dBm versus the untreated gain mapshown in FIG. 9D where the received signal strength was −100.0 dBm906D). The passive enhancement is generally of limited application beinguseful in a small number of special circumstances where tower signalstrength is very high, building attenuation is very high, cable runs forthe installation are relatively short, and indoor communications isneeded only in a relatively concise area of the building interior inclose proximity to the indoor antenna.

FIG. 9F is a gain map 900F depicting a building with a hybrid treatmentreceiving a downlink transmission using a portable amplifierconfiguration. A portable radio receiver 950 receives a downlinktransmission from a radio site transmitter 901. A dotted line forms abox around the amplifier. The box includes the components portablecoverage enhancement applied to the building through the standardinterface box 601. The radio site transmitter 901 has an ERP 901E of 40dBm. The transmitted signal is attenuated approximately 90 dB aftertraveling 1 km 905FF through free space. The signal at this point has apower level of −50.0 dBm 905F. Upon reaching a donor antenna 910, thesignal experiences a gain of 10 dB 910FF providing a signal power levelof −40.0 dBm 910F to the coaxial connecting cable 915. The donor antennain this embodiment may also be a directional antenna, such as a Yagiantenna. In this embodiment, the outdoor antenna may be fixed to thebuilding.

Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signal nextexperiences a loss of about 2.5 dB 915FF from traveling through thecable 915 for approximately 15 m. The cable may connect the directionalantenna on the outside of the building to a standard interface box alsomounted on the exterior of the building. The signal power level reachingthe amplifier 920 is −42.5 dBm 915F. The amplifier 920 is connected tothe interface box 601 and provides again of about 70 dB 920FF providingan improved signal power level of about 27.5 dBm 920F. The amplifier mayalso be located outside the building. Cable 925 leads from the amplifierback to the interface box and connects with a cable about 15 m in lengthto an indoor antenna imparting a loss of about −2.5 dB 925FF whichfurther reduces the signal power at this point to 25.0 dBm 925F. Thecable may lead from the interface box which is mounted on an exteriorwall of the building to the indoor door antenna which may be located onthe inside of the building in this embodiment. The cable may cross theexterior wall of the building or other barrier. The signal crosses theexterior wall of the building (and other physical structures orbarriers) inside of the cable. This cable by-pass of the exterior wallis preferable to attempting to penetrate the exterior wall or otheradditional barriers directly with a radio signal. As a result,transmission of the radio signal in the cable provides a by-pass of theradio signal from direct interference or attention from the buildingwall.

An omni directional antenna may be used as an indoor antenna 940 with noappreciable gain or loss 940FF. In the scenario of FIG. 9F, the signalradiates from the indoor antenna about 10 m through free space 945FFbefore finally reaching the portable radio receiver 950 experiencing aloss of 50 dB 945F where the signal reaches the portable radio at apower level of −25.0 dBm 945F. The signal level available to theportable receiver in the coverage enhanced scenario of FIG. 9F is about70 dB more powerful than the passive scenario depicted in FIG. 9E and is75 dB more powerful than the passive scenario depicted in FIG. 9D

The gain map in FIG. 9F illustrates the benefit to signal power levelfrom the portable treatment (−25 dBm versus the untreated gain map shownin FIG. 9D and the passive system as shown in FIG. 9E. The gain mapshows in FIG. 9F shows the benefit to signal power level for sending aradio transmission in a building. As stated previously, the gain insignal strength provided by the hybrid enhancement system issignificant.

FIG. 9G is a gain map depicting a building with portable treatmentsending an uplink transmission while in passive configuration. Aportable radio receiver 950 sends an uplink transmission to a radio sitetransmitter 901. A dotted line forms a box around the jumper cable whichconnects the passive components applied to the building representing thestandard interface box 601. The portable radio 950 has an ERP of about30 dBm 950G. The transmitted signal is attenuated approximately 50 dBafter traveling 10 m 945GG through free space. The signal at this pointhas a power level of −20.0 dBm 945G. Upon reaching an indoor antenna940, the signal experiences no appreciable gain or loss 940GG providinga signal power level of −20.0 dBm 940G to coaxial connecting cable 925.

Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signal nextexperiences a loss of 2.5 dB 925GG traveling through the cable 925 forapproximately 15 m 92500. The signal power level reaching the jumper 921is −22.5 dBm 925G. The jumper 921 connects parts of the interface box601 and provides no appreciable gain or loss 921GG leaving the signalpower level large unchanged at −22.5 dBm 921G. The signal then travelsfrom the jumper 921GG in the interface box to a cable 15 m in lengthimparting a loss of −2.5 dB 925BB which further reduces the signal powerto −25.0 dBm 915G. The cable may lead from the interface box which ismounted on an exterior wall of the building to an outdoor antenna whichmay be located on the outside of the building and be fixed to thebuilding in this embodiment. The cable may cross the exterior wall ofthe building or other barrier or proceed up to the building in a conduitalongside an exterior wall. Enabling the signal to cross the barrierinside of a cable is preferable to attempting to penetrate the exteriorwall or other additional barriers directly. As a result, transmission ofthe radio signal in the cable provides a by-pass of the radio signaldirectly interfacing with the building wall and being weakenedsignificantly.

A directional antenna may be used as a donor antenna 910GG providing anappreciable gain of 10.0 dB 910GG. In the scenario of FIG. 9G, thesignal radiates from the outdoor antenna 1 km through free space 90500before finally reaching the radio site 901 experiencing a loss of 90 dB905GG where the signal reaches the radio site with power level −105.0dBm 905G. This may or may not be adequate level for assuredcommunications depending upon site receiver sensitivity and attendant RFnoise conditions.

FIG. 9H is a gain map 900H depicting a building with hybrid systemutilizing portable amplifier treatment sending an uplink transmission. Aportable radio receiver 950 sends an uplink transmission to a radio sitetransmitter 901. A box formed of dotted lines is illustrated around theamplifier. The box includes the components of the portable coverageenhancement being applied to the building through the standard interfacebox 601. The portable radio 950 has an ERP of 30 dBm 950H. Thetransmitted signal is attenuated approximately 50 dB 945HH aftertraveling 10 m through free space. The signal at this point has a powerlevel of −20.0 dBm 945H. Upon reaching an indoor antenna 940, the signalexperiences no appreciable gain or loss 940HH providing a signal powerlevel of −20.0 dBm 940F to the coaxial connecting cable 925. The indoorantenna in this embodiment may also be an omni directional antenna.

Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signal nextexperiences a loss of 2.5 dB 925HH traveling through the cable 925 forapproximately 15 m. The cable may connect the indoor antenna on theinside of the building to a standard interface box mounted on theexterior wall of the building. The signal power level reaching theamplifier 920 is −22.5 dBm 925H. The amplifier 920 is connected to theinterface box 601 and provides a gain of about 50 dB 920HH providing animproved signal power level of about 27.5 dBm 920H. The amplifier mayalso be located outside the building and applied as part of a portablesystem. Cable 915 leads from the interface box to an outdoor antennaimparting a loss of 2.5 dB 915HH which reduces the signal power to about25 dBm 915H. The cable may lead from the interface box which is mountedon an exterior wall of the building to a directional antenna which maybe located on the outside of the building in this embodiment.

A directional antenna may be used as the donor antenna 910HH andprovides a gain of about 10 dB 910HH. In the scenario of FIG. 9H, thesignal radiates from the outdoor antenna through about 1 km of freespace 905HH before finally reaching the radio site 901 experiencing aloss of about −90 dB 905HH where the signal reaches the radio site at apower level of −55.0 dBm 905H. The signal level available to the towersite is clearly adequate to support error free communications.

The gain map in FIG. 9H illustrates the benefit to signal power levelfrom the portable treatment (−55 dBm) versus the passive gain map inFIG. 9G (−105 dBm). The gain map in FIG. 9H shows a clear benefit tosignal strength for sending a radio transmission in a building with theportable treatment. In this embodiment, the gain in signal strengthprovided by the hybrid enhancement system is significant.

FIG. 9I is a gain map 900I depicting a building with portable systemtreatment including an extended antenna forming a distributed antennasystem which receives a downlink transmission. A portable radio receiver950 receives a downlink transmission from a radio site transmitter 901.A dotted line forms a box representing the portable communicationenhancement. The box 960 includes: a donor antenna 910, a cable 915, anamplifier 920, cable 925, a first coupler port 930, cable 935, a firstindoor antenna 940, a second coupler port 931, cable 936, and a secondindoor antenna 941. The radio site transmitter 901 transmits with ERP901I of 40 dBm. The transmitted signal is attenuated approximately 105.0dB after traveling about 5 km 905II through free space. The signal atthis point has a power level of about −65.0 dBm 905I. Upon reaching adonor antenna 910, the signal experiences a gain of about 10 dB 910IIproviding a signal power level of −55.0 dBm 910I to the coaxialconnecting cable 915. The donor antenna in this embodiment may also be adirectional antenna, such as a Yagi antenna. In this embodiment, theantenna may be in an outdoor location applied as part of a portableantenna kit.

Assuming the use of typical low loss coaxial cable, the signal nextexperiences a loss of about −0.5 dB 915II traveling through the cable915 for approximately 3 m. The cable may connect the directional antennaon the outside of the building to an amplifier. The signal power levelreaching the amplifier 920 is −55.5 dBm 915I. The amplifier 920 providesa gain of 75 dB 920II providing an improved signal power level of 19.5dBm 920I. The amplifier may also be located outside the building. Cable925 from the amplifier has a length of about 30 m imparting a loss ofabout 5.0 dB 925II which further reduces the signal power to 14.5 dBm925I. The cable may lead from the outside of the building to the insideof the building in this embodiment. The cable may cross the exteriorwall of the building or other barrier. Enabling the signal to cross aphysical barrier such as a wall while inside of a cable is preferable toattempting to penetrate the exterior wall or other additional physicalbarriers directly. As a result, transmission of the radio signal in thecable provides an effective by-pass of the radio signal past thebuilding wall with a smaller loss than being transmitted directlythrough the wall.

A directional coupler 1023 may be used to direct the radio signal in twopaths. Following from cable 925, the radio signal may be receivedthrough a first coupler port 930 imparting a loss of 1.3 dB by a cablewhich has a length of about 30 m imparting a further loss of 5.0 dB. Theradio signal is routed to a second coupler port which imparts a loss of6.0 dB to a second cable having a length of about 3 m and imparting afurther loss of about 0.5 dB. The signal arriving ultimately at a firstportable radio located 15 m distant from first indoor antenna 940 alongfirst coupler port path 930 is estimated to be −46.8 dBm. The signalarriving at a second portable radio located 15 m distant from a secondindoor antenna 941 along second coupler port path 931 is estimated to be−47.0 dBm. This illustrates the benefit from the portable invention totwo portable radio users located as far apart as 60 m inside a buildingthat would otherwise have unreliable or nonexistent communications.

In FIG. 9I, the directional coupler enables the benefit of this portablecommunication enhancement to reach more than one portable radio user. Inaddition, a wider coverage area can be obtained by using more than oneindoor antenna without requiring the use of an additional amplifier. Thebenefits of this portable communication system are significant as it issimple to establish communication enhancement without significantchanges to existing infrastructure and without incurring significantadditional expense for more equipment.

FIG. 10 is a view 1000 of a portable extended antenna kit once removedfrom the bag in which it is conveniently transported. The portableextended antenna kit when removed from the bag rests on extended tripodlegs 1003A. The tripod legs may have rubber feet 1012 which engage theground or other resting surface. The portable extended antenna kit has atelescoping mast 1002 and a telescoping mast adjuster 1011 located nearthe top portion of the portable antenna kit. The telescoping mast 1002may be elevated. An extension indoor antenna 1008 is located near acentral portion of the portable extended antenna kit attached directlyto the spine of the portable extended antenna kit cable organizer. Theextension indoor antenna 1008 is surrounded by a coil of wound cablewhen the cable is in its stored location. An extension antenna selectionswitch 1005 and an extension antenna selection switch actuator 1006 arelocated beneath the indoor antenna in an interior position of the coilsecured around the periphery of the cable organizer.

FIG. 10A is a close-up view 1000A of the portable extended antenna kitonce removed from the bag. A central portion of the portable extendedantenna kit is shown including: the extension indoor antenna 1008,extension indoor antenna cable 1013, and the extension antenna selectionswitch actuator 1006. Tripod legs 1003A, 1003B are seen extending in adownward direction behind the central portion of the portable extendedantenna kit. Leg braces 1004 are shown extending in an upward directionbehind a lower end of the central portion of the portable extendedantenna kit. The extension antenna selection switch actuator 1006 isconnected to an extension antenna selection switch 1005 and a terminator1007. One end of the indoor antenna is connected to a pigtail cable.This pigtail cable is connected to an indoor antenna cable which isstored in a coil in a lower portion of the portable extended antennakit. This indoor antenna cable 1013 leads to the extension antennaselection switch 1005. The extension antenna selection switch 1005 hasthree ports including one used for terminator 1007, one port coupling toa cable 1014 leading to directional coupler 1023, and one terminatingthe aforementioned indoor antenna cable 1013.

FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view 1000B of the portable extendedantenna kit. A long segment of extension cable is coiled around thecable organizer and held in place with a cable retention strap 1022. Thecable mention strap 1022 is fastened to a cable retention strap pin 1021on a top portion of the cable organizer. A short segment of the longextension cable 1010 is connected to a directional coupler 1023. Thedirectional coupler 1023 rests on a directional coupler mounting shelf1024 in the rear of the portable extended antenna kit. An extensionindoor antenna switch cable connection 1015 is directly connected to thedirectional coupler 1023 in the rear of the portable extended antennakit.

FIG. 10C is a close-up rear perspective view 1000C of the portableextended antenna kit. The cable retention strap pin 1021 is shown on thetop rear of the portable extended antenna kit. The long segment of longextension cable 1025 is coiled around the cable organizer in deployposition as the cable retention strap 1022 is no longer secured to thecable retention strap pin 1021 and holding the long segment of longextension cable 1025 in place. The directional coupler 1023 is seated onthe directional coupler mounting shelf 1024 and is connected to a cableinput to the extension antenna kit 1009 on the left end of thedirectional coupler. A short segment of cable 1013 connects to theextension indoor antenna pigtail 1020 and to the extension antennaselection switch 1005.

The directional coupler 1023 is used to unevenly split and/or combinesignals. The directional coupler may include three ports: including aninput port, an output port, and a coupled port. The coupled port is DCisolated (open circuit) from the input or output ports. The directional,input, and output ports must be connected properly. The directionalcoupler may have less loss than a splitter at one port at the expense ofa greater loss at the other port. A directional coupler may be toprovide a long segment of cable with several antenna points.Additionally, in a vertical configuration a directional coupler may beused to provide antenna feed(s) on each floor in a multi-floor building.The directional coupler provides low loss on the thru port and versatileselection of coupled ports. As a result, the directional coupler can bean important component in a distributed antenna system.

FIG. 10D is a view 1000D of the portable extended antenna kit indeployed configuration. The extension indoor antenna 1008 is mounted ontop of the telescoping mast of the portable extended antenna kit. Allthree tripod legs 1003A, 1003B, and 1003C are extended and engagingdirectly the ground or other resting surface. Leg braces 1004 connecteach of the tripod legs by connecting to the portable extended antennakit. Both cable retention straps 1022 are disengaged enabling the longsegment of long extension cable 1025 to deploy from the portableextended antenna kit. The extension indoor antenna 1008 is connected toan extension indoor antenna cable 1013 which connects to the extensionantenna selection switch 1005 in a central portion of the portableextended antenna kit. Cable input to extension antenna kit 1009 leads toa directional coupler port at a top rear portion of the portableextended antenna kit. An indoor antenna 133 connects to a long segmentof long extension cable 1025 leading from another directional couplerport at the top rear portion of the portable extended antenna kit. Theportable extended antenna kit in deployed configuration provides cableextension to enable the indoor antenna 133 to have an increased portablerange, while an extension indoor antenna 1008 mounted directly to theportable extended antenna kit provides increased communication coveragein the direct vicinity surrounding the portable extended antenna kit ifoptionally enabled by selector switch 1005. In this way, a distributedantenna system can be applied and extended with modular additionsquickly providing incremental extensions to the coverage area, so thatcommunications can be maintained and increased without disconnectingcommunication previously established.

FIG. 10E is an alternate view 1000E of the portable extended antenna kitin deployed configuration. The indoor antenna 133 is connected to a longsegment of long extension cable 1025 where the long segment of longextension cable connects to the coil of a long extension cable woundaround a central portion of the portable extended antenna kit. The longsegment of long extension cable 1025 leading from the indoor antenna 133joins the cable organizer at an upper right location near the rightprotrusion holding the wound segment of cable. An extension indoorantenna 1008 extends in a vertical upright position from mount attachedto a telescoping mast portion of the portable extended antenna kit.

Cable input to extension antenna kit 1009 is shown from the rightconnecting to the portable extended antenna kit in a front upper rightlocation. Both cable retention strap pins 1021 are shown disengaged fromthe cable retention straps 1022. A portable indoor antenna mountingadapter 1200 is located in a lower portion of the portable extendedantenna kit.

FIG. 11 is a view 1100 of the portable extension cable reel. Cable 1101is wound around a central spool having a first end of cable 1104 on theleft and a second end of cable on the right 1105. The portable extensioncable reel has wheels on one side 1103 engaging the ground and a frame1106 engaging the ground on the other. The portable extension cable reelhas a spool end 1107 which serves as a handle to turn the spool todeploy cable. The portable cable extension reel may be used to transportan extended amount of cable. Alternatively, the portable cable extensionreel may be used in a stationary position to dispense cable from thecentral spool.

FIG. 12 is a view of the portable indoor antenna mounting adapter 1200.The portable indoor antenna mounting adapter 1200 has a base 1201 withbase utility mounting apertures 1202. The base has a top and bottomsurface with a circular periphery. A hook 1204 having a horizontalportion and a vertical portion rests on the topside of the portableindoor antenna mounting adapter base. The hook has hook utility mountingapertures 1203. The hook can slidably pivot about a hook pivot 1209. Theportable indoor antenna mounting adapter 1200 has a central receptacle1205 for receiving an indoor antenna. The receptacle 1205 extendsvertically upward from the topside of the base.

FIG. 12A is a view of the portable indoor antenna mounting adapter withthe hook deployed. The portable indoor antenna mounting adapter, hookdeployed 1200A is shown with an end of the horizontal portion of thehook resting on the top surface of the base. The opposite end of thehorizontal portion extends radially outward beyond the top surface ofthe base. The receptacle 1205 extends vertically from a central positionon the topside of the base of the portable antenna mounting adapter. Thehook is able to pivot about the hook pivot 1209 between this fullyextended location shown in FIG. 12A and the position in FIG. 12 wherethe horizontal portion rests substantially on the top surface of thebase.

FIG. 12B is a view 1200B of the portable indoor and portable antennamounting adapter. The indoor antenna 133 is shown in a vertical uprightposition extending from the base 1201. The indoor antenna is in aninverted position with the indoor antenna base 133A located above theother end portion of the indoor antenna which is inserted in the omniantenna receptacle 1205 in the portable indoor antenna mounting adapter1200. A lanyard cable 133D is attached to the indoor antenna base. Theindoor antenna pigtail cable 132A is connected to the indoor antenna133. The hook 1204 is pivoted about the hook pivot 1209 with thehorizontal portion of the hook 1204 resting on the top surface of theportable indoor antenna mounting adapter 1200. This configurationdeploys the indoor antenna to easily rest upon a floor, tabletop, orother horizontal surface and to be easily lowered via long connectingcable 132 down a stairwell or vertical shaft to come to rest upon ahorizontal surface below.

FIG. 12C is a view 1200C of the portable indoor and portable antennamounting adapter where the portable indoor antenna 133 is deployed in ahanging configuration upon the top edge of a door. The portable indoorantenna mounting adapter with the hook deployed 1200A engages the topedge 1220A of a door 1220. The long segment of the antenna cable 132leads from the bottom portion of the indoor antenna to a position to theright of the bottom of the door. The indoor antenna is in a verticalupright position with the top portion of the indoor antenna engaged inthe omni antenna receptacle 1205. The portable indoor antenna mountingadapter 1200 is hooked onto the top edge of the door. This view 1200Cdemonstrates how the indoor antenna may be used indoors with anon-penetrating portable and temporary mount.

FIG. 13 is a view 1300 of the optional outdoor antenna kit. The optionaloutdoor antenna kit 1300 includes a case 1301 which houses an outdoorantenna 1302. The optional door antenna kit case 1301 includes a doorand a bottom case portion. Both the inside of the bottom case portionhas padding 1305 and the inside of the door has padding 1304. The doorand the bottom case portion of the optional antenna kit case 1301 areseparated by a hinge 1308. The door of the case includes a lockingmechanism in the form of a latch 1306. A handle 1307 is located in thecentral top edge of the door and in central portion of the case so thatthe when the door is closed the two handles are aligned. Cable 1303 iswound around the outer periphery of the bottom case portion. Four cablewinding posts and feet 1309 are located at a bottom portion of the caseto engage the ground or other resting surface and provide locationsaround which the cable can be wound (only two posts and feet 1309 arevisible in this view). A cable retention strap 1310 is used to securethe cables together.

The optional outdoor antenna kit 1300 provides a secure way to transporta directional outdoor antenna and cable in an orientation that can beeasily stored and transported and quickly deployed. The directionalantenna may be secured in an internal cavity surrounded by padding andthe cable is secured around the case providing storage that is easy toaccess and carry.

FIG. 13A is a top view 1300A of the optional outdoor antenna kit. A viewof the case 1301 is illustrated from the top in closed position. Thewound cable 1303 surrounds the periphery of the outdoor antenna kit andprotrudes slightly on the short sides of the antenna kit. A latch 1306is used to secure the door of the case in a closed position. A handle1307 in a central position on one side can be engaged by hand to allowone person to carry the case.

FIG. 13B is a front view 1300B of the optional outdoor antenna kit. Thelatches 1306 extend in a downward vertical position. The outdoor antennakit rests on the antenna at the bottom of the antenna kit. The handle1307 is attached to the antenna kit in two places in the front of theantenna kit case.

FIG. 13C is a bottom view 1300C of the optional outdoor antenna kit. Thecase 1301 has a cable 1303 surrounding the perimeter of its bottomsurface. The cable retention strap 1310 secures the cable in placeagainst the optional outdoor antenna kit case 1301.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certainadaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments areconsidered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 Portable amplifier kit and portable antenna kit-   100A Portable antenna kit-   100B Portable antenna kit cutaway view-   100C Top view of portable outdoor antenna kit and cable organizer-   100D Cable organizer detail-   100E Portable antenna kit removed from bag, side view-   100F Portable antenna kit removed from bag, alternate side view-   100G Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna aimed-   100H Portable antenna kit, portable amplifier connected-   100I Indoor and outdoor antennas, examples-   100J Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna raised-   100J Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna raised-   100J Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna raised-   100J Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna raised-   100J Portable antenna kit, outdoor antenna raised-   100K Portable amplifier kit with indoor antenna-   100L Portable amplifier case-   100M Portable amplifier kit, alternate implementations-   100N Portable amplifier kit internal details-   100O Portable amplifier kit internal details, alternate view-   100P Portable amplifier kit internal details, alternate view-   100Q Portable amplifier kit internal details, alternate view-   100R Alternate portable amplifier kit, internal details-   100S Alternate portable amplifier kit, internal details, alternate    view-   100T Alternate portable amplifier kit, internal details, rear view-   100U Alternate portable amplifier kit, internal details, alternate    front view-   100V Block diagram of portable amplifier kit-   101 Portable amplifier kit-   101A Latch, portable amplifier case-   101A Latch, portable amplifier case-   101A Latch, portable amplifier case-   101B Latch, portable amplifier case-   101B Latch, portable amplifier case-   101B Latch, portable amplifier case-   101C Wheel, portable amplifier case-   101C Wheel, portable amplifier case-   101C Wheel, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101D Door, portable amplifier case-   101G Seal, portable amplifier case-   101H Housing, portable amplifier case-   101H Housing, portable amplifier case-   101H Housing, portable amplifier case-   101H Housing, portable amplifier case-   101K Controller with cover-   101K Controller with cover-   101K Controller with cover-   101L Rib, portable amplifier case-   101S Ancillary energy subsystem connector-   101SS Primary energy subsystem connector-   101SS Primary energy subsystem connector-   101SS Primary energy subsystem connector-   101V Vent, portable amplifier case-   101V Vent, portable amplifier case-   101V Vent, portable amplifier case-   101V Vent, portable amplifier case-   101W Wheel well, portable amplifier case-   101W Wheel well, portable amplifier case-   102 Portable antenna kit-   103A Sliding handle-   103A Sliding handle-   103A Sliding handle-   103B Side handle-   103B Side handle-   103B Side handle-   104 Indoor antenna connector port-   104A Indoor antenna connector port-   105 Outdoor antenna connector port-   105A Outdoor antenna connector port-   106 Power switch-   107 Status light-   108 Top handle-   109 AC/DC output connector-   109A AC/DC input connector-   110 Zipper-   111 Portable antenna kit handle-   112 Portable antenna kit handle-   120 Portable antenna kit tripod-   121 Outdoor antenna cable-   121A Outdoor antenna connector-   121B Indoor antenna cable, short segment-   121C Indoor antenna cable retainer clamp-   121D Outdoor antenna cable, long version-   122 Outdoor Antenna-   122A Vertical elements, outdoor antenna-   123 Tripod-   123A Adjustor for tripod legs-   123B Adjuster for telescoping section 1-   123C Adjuster for telescoping section 2-   123D Tripod leg-   123E Tripod leg-   123F Tripod leg-   124A End portion of cable organizer-   124B Alternate end portion of cable organizer-   124C End portion of cable organizer protrusion, upper left-   124D End portion of cable organizer protrusion, upper right-   124E End portion of cable organizer protrusion, lower left-   124F End portion of cable organizer protrusion, lower right-   124R Rubber foot-   124R Rubber foot-   125 Spine of cable organizer-   126 Lower cable organizer mount spacer block-   126A Lower cable organizer mount spacer block clamp-   127 Upper cable organizer mount spacer block-   127A Upper cable organizer mount spacer block clamp-   128 Cable organizer spacer block brace-   129 Outdoor antenna mount spacer block-   129 Outdoor antenna mount spacer block-   129A Outdoor antenna clip-   129B Outdoor antenna mount spacer block clamp-   130 Cable retention strap, upper-   130A Cable retention strap pin, upper-   130B Cable retention strap, lower-   130D Cable retention strap pin, lower-   131 Indoor antenna clip-   131A Indoor antenna connector clip-   131B Omni-directional antenna clip-   131B Indoor antenna clip, second-   132 Indoor antenna cable, long segment-   132A Indoor antenna, pigtail cable-   132B Indoor antenna, pigtail cable connector-   132C Indoor antenna cable, long segment, connector-   132D Indoor antenna cable, long segment, lanyard-   133 Indoor antenna-   133A indoor antenna, base-   133B Indoor antenna, optional mount-   133C indoor antenna, cap-   133D indoor antenna, lanyard cable-   133E indoor antenna, lanyard cable coupling-   134 Dual ball joint, outdoor antenna mount-   134A Adjuster, outdoor antenna mount-   134B tripod clamp, outdoor antenna mount-   134C Outdoor antenna to dual ball joint mounting flange-   135 Tripod main telescoping section-   135A Tripod, telescoping section 2-   140 Battery module docking location-   140A Battery module docking location (Clearance for power conversion    1/O connector)-   140B Battery energy module-   140C Battery module electrical connections-   140P Power conversion I/O connector-   140PP Power conversion module-   140R Energy subsystem rack-   141 Bidirectional amplifier-   141A Bidirectional amplifier, outdoor cable-   141B Bidirectional amplifier-   141C Bidirectional amplifier, indoor cable-   141D Bidirectional amplifier, outdoor cable-   170 Portable amplifier internal main mounting plate-   171A AC/DC conversion module for AC input-   171B DC/DC conversion module for DC input-   171C DC/AC inverter module, bi-directional amplifier power-   171D DC/AC inverter module, convenience AC output power-   172 Energy subsystem rack interface-   172A Controller, AC/DC conversion module for AC input-   172B Controller, DC/DC conversion module for DC input-   172C Controller, DC/AC inverter module, bi-directional amplifier    power-   172D Controller, DC/AC inverter module, convenience AC output power-   173 Electrical terminals, amplifier kit I/O interconnections-   173A Electrical terminals, amplifier kit I/O interconnections-   174 Electrical terminals, bi-directional amplifier interconnections-   174A Electrical terminals, bi-directional amplifier interconnections-   175 Electrical terminals, power I/O interconnections-   175A Electrical terminals, power I/O interconnections-   176 Management gateway computer-   177 IP management network-   200 Flow chart, method for deploying portable radio coverage system-   201 Arrive at scene with portable coverage system-   202 Select tentative location for outdoor antenna-   203 Perform check using portable radio-   204 Check good?-   205 Try alternate outdoor location-   206 Lay portable antenna kit aimed at structure entry-   207 Extend tripod legs-   208 Stand tripod upright—cable organizer aimed at structure entry-   209 Orient grid map at tripod base-   210 Remove top and bottom cable retention straps-   211 Aim donor antenna at selected radio site-   212 Place portable amplifier near tripod base-   213 Connect donor antenna cable to amplifier outdoor antenna port-   214 Connect indoor antenna cable to amplifier indoor antenna port-   215 Push and hold amplifier power button for >2 sec for delayed    startup-   216 Pull indoor antenna from clips and proceed into structure-   217 Optional—extend indoor antenna cable with additional cable    segments-   218 Optional—insert extended antenna kit and continue further into    structure-   219 Position indoor antenna near center of work area-   300 Regional radio system grid map-   300A Flow chart, method for aiming outdoor antenna-   301 North direction indicator-   301A Establish latitude and longitude of location 302-   302 Location of site requiring radio coverage enhancement-   302A Indicate location 302 on map 300-   303 Preferred radio system site location-   303A Determine north direction 301-   304 Alternate radio system site location-   304A Determine preferred radio site 303-   305 Alternate radio system site location-   305A Place map 300 with north aligned beneath tripod 100G-   306 Alternate radio system site location-   306A Aim antenna 122 along location to site direction 311-   307 Alternate radio system site location-   307A Assure antenna elements 122A are correctly oriented (e.g.    vertical)-   308 County region-   308A Deploy and enable balance of coverage system-   309 Longitude indications-   309A Perform check using portable radio-   310 Latitude indications-   310A Check good?-   311 Direction to aim outdoor antenna-   311A System is providing coverage-   312A Determine alternate radio site (e.g. 304-   400 Typical system deployment for building coverage enhancement-   400A Typical system deployment for building coverage enhancement,    closer view-   400B Enlarged view of portable antenna and amplifier kits deployed    by building-   400C Cut away view of cable routing from antenna kit to indoor    antenna coverage location-   400D Indoor antenna location at fourth floor of building-   401 Building-   402 Ground-   403 Roof-   404 Interior doorway seen through window-   405 Windows-   407 Ground floor-   408 Second floor-   409 Third floor-   410 Fourth floor-   411 Fifth floor-   412 Sixth floor-   413 Seventh floor-   414 Roof access door-   415 Main entrance door-   416 Stairwell wall-   417 Stairs-   418 Upwards direction-   419 Exterior wall-   420 Midfloor landing-   421 Stairwell doorway-   500 Vehicle born portable radio enhancement system-   500A Vehicle born portable radio enhancement system, close up view-   500B Portable antenna kit mounted on emergency response vehicle-   500C Portable amplifier kit mounted on emergency response vehicle-   500D Vehicle born portable radio enhancement system, deployed-   501 Emergency response vehicle-   502 Portable amplifier kit bin-   503 Portable amplifier kit retention strap-   504 Portable antenna kit retention strap-   505 Cable clamps-   506 Rotating portable antenna kit mounting platform-   520 Cable deploying from cable organizer-   600 Schematic representation of hybrid system with standard    interface box-   601 Standard building interface box-   600A Schematic representation of hybrid system with portable    amplifier kit connected-   600B Standard building interface box, front view, door closed-   600C Standard building interface box, front view, door open-   600D Standard building interface box, front view, door open, jumper    removed-   600E Standard building interface box, cut away front view-   600F Standard building interface box, rear view-   600G Standard building interface box, rear view, conduit mounted    outdoor antenna-   600H Hybrid system with standard interface box, exterior view-   600I Hybrid system with standard interface box, cut away view-   600J Hybrid system using non-penetrating roof mount for outdoor    antenna-   600K Standard building interface box with portable amplifier    attached-   600L Standard building interface box, full built in example-   600M Standard building interface box, full built in, jumpers removed-   600N Standard building interface box, full built in example, rear    view-   602 Lock-   603 Outdoor antenna, rear port, standard building interface box-   604 Indoor antenna, rear port, standard building interface box-   605 Earth ground cable-   606 Earth ground stake-   609 Cable, indoor antenna-   610 Cable, outdoor antenna-   611 Outdoor antenna to amplifier cable-   612 Indoor antenna to amplifier cable-   614 Mounting flange, standard building interface box-   615 Conduit option to outdoor antenna-   616 Jumper cable-   617 Indoor antenna, front port, standard building interface box-   617B Standard building interface box, rear exterior wall-   618 Outdoor antenna, front port, standard building interface box-   619 Connector mounting panel-   620 Literature pocket-   621 Door, standard building interface box-   622 Built in outdoor antenna-   624 Surge suppressor-   625 Mounting and grounding bracket for surge suppressor-   626 Cable, outdoor front port to surge suppressor-   627 Cable, surge suppressor to outdoor rear port-   628 Cable, indoor front port to indoor rear port-   629 Top of standard building interface box-   630 Earth ground stud-   631 Indoor Antenna System-   632 Outdoor Antenna System-   633 Built in indoor antenna-   634 Outdoor antenna mount-   635 Waterproof safety ground-   636 Power and control system-   637 Power path to bi-directional amplifier-   638 Waterproof RF connection-   640 Ceiling-   651 Jumper, built in indoor antenna front port to built in booster    indoor antenna front port-   652 Jumper, built in outdoor antenna front port to built in booster    outdoor antenna front port-   662 Built in booster outdoor antenna front port-   662A Built in booster outdoor antenna rear port-   663 Built in booster indoor antenna front port-   663A Built in booster indoor antenna rear port-   670 Hinge-   671 Door retaining latch-   690 Concrete blocks-   691 Non-penetrating roof stand-   692 Non-penetrating roof stand base-   700 Table of preparedness strategies and deployment configurations-   800A Schematic view, typical portable enhancement-   800B Schematic view, typical vehicle mounted portable enhancement-   800C Portable enhancement with extension antenna kit-   800D Portable enhancement, extension cable, specially indoor antenna-   800E Typical hybrid system with portable amplifier kit-   800F Hybrid system with portable amplifier kit bypassing failed    built in antenna-   800G Full built in system utilizing standard building interface box-   800H Full built in system bypassing failed antenna and amplifier-   800I Portable deployment utilizing extension antenna kit-   801 Building-   803 Radio site-   804 Portable amplifier kit-   805 Portable outdoor antenna-   805A Outdoor antenna cable-   805B Outdoor antenna amplifier port-   806 Portable indoor antenna-   807 Indoor antenna cable, long segment-   807A Indoor antenna amplifier port-   808 Emergency response vehicle-   809 Portable extension antenna stand-   810 Extension antenna selection switch-   811 Extension indoor antenna-   812 Extension cable-   813 Cable coupler-   814 Specialty portable extension antenna-   815 Standard building interface box-   816 Indoor antenna port cable-   816A Standard building interface indoor antenna front port-   817 Outdoor antenna port cable-   817A Standard building interface outdoor antenna front port-   818 Built in outdoor antenna-   819 Built in indoor antenna-   820 Four port standard building interface box-   821 Jumper, built in outdoor antenna front port to built in booster    outdoor antenna front port-   821A Built in booster outdoor antenna front port-   822 Jumper, built in indoor antenna front port to built in booster    indoor antenna front port-   822A Built in booster indoor antenna front port-   900A Gain map, no treatment, downlink-   900B Gain map, portable treatment, downlink-   900C Gain map, portable treatment, uplink-   900D Gain map, no treatment, downlink, alternate scenario-   900E Gain map, hybrid system, passive configuration, downlink-   900F Gain map, hybrid system, portable amplifier configuration,    downlink-   900G Gain map, hybrid system, passive configuration, uplink-   900H Gain map, hybrid system, portable amplifier configuration,    uplink-   900I Gain map, portable system, extended antenna, downlink-   901A 901 Output power-   901B 901 Output power-   901E 901 Output power-   901F 901 Output power-   901I 901 Output power-   901 Radio site transmitter 905A Power after 905-   905AA Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905B Power after 905-   905BB Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905C Power after 905-   905CC Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905D Power after 905-   905DD Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905E Power after 905-   905EE Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905F Power after 905-   905FF Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905G Power after 905-   905GG Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905H Power after 905-   905HH Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905I Power after 905-   905II Gain/Loss attributable to 905-   905 Free space from transmitter to building (Free space from 910 to    radio site)-   906 Building-   906A Power after 906-   906AA Gain/Loss attributable to 906-   906D Power after 906-   906DD Gain/Loss attributable to 906-   910 Portable donor outdoor antenna-   910B 910 power-   910BB Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910C 910 power-   910CC Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910D 901 Output power-   910E 910 power-   910EE Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910F 910 power-   910FF Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910G 910 power-   910GG Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910H 910 power-   910HH Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   910I 910 power-   910II Gain/Loss attributable to 910-   915 Cable-   915B Power after 915-   915BB Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915C Power after 915-   915CC Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915E Power after 915-   915EE Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915F Power after 915-   915FF Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915G Power after 95-   915GG Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915H Power after 915-   915HH Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   915I Power after 915-   915II Gain/Loss attributable to 915-   920 Portable amplifier-   920B Power after 920-   920BB Gain/Loss attributable to 920-   920C Power after 920-   920CC Gain/Loss attributable to 920-   920F Power after 920-   920FF Gain/Loss attributable to 920-   920H Power after 920-   920HH Gain/Loss attributable to 920-   920I Power after 920-   920II Gain/Loss attributable to 920-   921E Power after 921-   921EE Gain/Loss attributable to 921-   921G Power after 921-   921GG Gain/Loss attributable to 921-   925 Cable-   925B Power after 925-   925BB Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925C Power after 925-   925CC Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925E Power after 925-   925EE Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925F Power after 925-   925FF Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925G Power after 925-   925GG Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925H Power after 925-   925HH Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   925I Power after 925-   925II Gain/Loss attributable to 925-   930 Coupler 1 port-   930I Power after 930-   930II Gain/Loss attributable to 930-   931 Coupler 2 port-   931I Power after 931-   931II Gain/Loss attributable to 931-   935 Cable-   935I Power after 935-   935II Gain/Loss attributable to 935-   936 Cable-   936I Power after 936-   936II Gain/Loss attributable to 936-   940 Portable indoor antenna-   940B 940 power-   940BB Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940C 940 power-   940CC Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940E 940 power-   940EE Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940F 940 power-   940FF Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940G 940 power-   940GG Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940H 940 power-   940HH Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   940I 940 power-   940II Gain/Loss attributable to 940-   941I 941 power-   941II Gain/Loss attributable to 941-   945 Free space from indoor to portable-   945B Power after 945-   945BB Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945C Power after 945-   945CC Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945E Power after 945-   945EE Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945F Power after 945-   945FF Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945G Power after 945-   945GG Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945H Power after 945-   945HH Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   945I Power after 945-   945II Gain/Loss attributable to 945-   946 Free space from indoor to portable-   946I Power after 946-   946II Gain/Loss attributable to 946-   950 Portable radio receiver-   950C 950 Output power-   950G 950 Output power-   950H 950 Output power-   951 Portable radio receiver-   960 Portable kit-   1000 Portable extended antenna kit out of bag-   1000A Portable extended antenna kit close up-   1000B Portable extended antenna kit cable organizer detail, rear    view-   1000C Portable extended antenna kit cable organizer detail, deployed-   1000D Portable extended antenna kit deployed-   1000E Portable extended antenna kit deployed, alternate view-   1002 Telescoping mast-   1003A Tripod leg-   1003A Tripod leg-   1003A Tripod leg-   1003B Tripod leg-   1003B Tripod leg-   1003C Tripod leg-   1004 Leg brace-   1004 Leg brace-   1004 Leg brace-   1005 Extension antenna selection switch-   1006 Extension antenna selection switch actuator-   1007 Terminator-   1008 Extension indoor antenna-   1009 Cable input to extension antenna kit-   1010 Long extension cable, short segment-   1011 Telescoping mast adjuster-   1012 Replaceable rubber foot-   1013 Extension indoor antenna cable-   1014 Extension switch to directional coupler connecting cable-   1015 Extension indoor antenna switch connection-   1020 Extension indoor antenna pigtail-   1021 Cable retention strap pin-   1022 Cable retention strap-   1023 Directional coupler-   1024 Directional coupler mounting shelf-   1025 Long extension cable, long segment-   1100 Portable extension cable reel-   1101 Cable-   1103 Wheel-   1104 Cable first end-   1105 Cable second end-   1106 Frame-   1107 Spool end-   1200 Portable indoor antenna mounting adapter-   1200A Portable indoor antenna mounting adapter, hook deployed-   1200A Portable indoor antenna mounting adapter, hook deployed-   1200B Portable indoor antenna mounting adapter with antenna-   1200C Portable indoor antenna mounting adapter with antenna deployed-   1201 Base-   1201 Base-   1201 Base-   1202 Base utility mounting holes-   1203 Hook utility mounting holes-   1204 Hook-   1205 Omni antenna receptacle-   1209 Hook pivot-   122O Door-   1220A Top edge of door-   1300 Optional antenna kit-   1300A Optional antenna kit, top view-   1300B Optional antenna kit, front view-   1300C Optional antenna kit, bottom view-   1301 Case-   1302 Antenna-   1303 Cable-   1304 Padding-   1305 Padding-   1306 Latch-   1307 Handle-   1308 Hinge-   1309 Cable winding post and foot-   1310 Cable retention strap

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention has been setforth by way of example only and that changes may be made to theinvention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A portable radio coverage enhancement systemcomprising: a portable antenna kit comprising an indoor antenna, anoutdoor antenna, an antenna stand, and a cable organizer; said cableorganizer includes a first coaxial cable and a second coaxial cable;said outdoor antenna is affixed to a first end of said first coaxialcable; said indoor antenna is affixed to a first end of said secondcoaxial cable; a portable case comprising a bi-directional amplifier, anon/off switch, an indicator light, a case outdoor pass-throughconnector, a case indoor pass-through connector, a third coaxial cable,and a fourth coaxial cable; said bi-directional amplifier includes anoutdoor antenna connector, an indoor antenna connector, a power input,an amplifier controller, and a controller interface port; a second endof said first coaxial cable is connectable to a first side of said caseoutdoor pass-through connector; a second end of said second coaxialcable is connectable to a first side of said case indoor pass-throughconnector; said third coaxial cable interconnects a second side of saidoutdoor pass-through connector of said case to said outdoor antennaconnector of said bi-directional amplifier; said fourth coaxial cableinterconnects a second side of said indoor pass-through connector ofsaid case to said indoor antenna connector of said bi-directionalamplifier; said portable case further comprises a battery power supply;said battery power supply includes a controller, and said controller ofsaid battery power supply comprises an on/off switch input connected tosaid on/off switch of said case, an indicator light driver connected tosaid indicator light of said case, a battery, a battery interfacecircuit, a power output switch switchably connecting said batteryinterface circuit to said power input of said bi-directional amplifier,a bi-directional amplifier interface port connected to said controllerinterface port of said bidirectional amplifier, a timer, and a userinterface port.
 8. A portable radio coverage enhancement system asclaimed in claim 7 further comprising a user power cable with a firstend connectable to a user power source; said case further comprises apower input pass-through connector, a first side of said powerpass-through connector of said case detachably connecting to a secondend of said user power cable, a power converter, a cable connecting asecond side of said power input pass-through connector of said case withthe input of said power converter, and an output of said power converteris connected to said battery interface circuit.
 9. A portable radiocoverage enhancement system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said outdoorantenna is a directional antenna.
 10. A portable radio coverageenhancement system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said indoor antenna isan omni directional antenna.
 11. A portable radio coverage enhancementsystem as claimed in claim 7 wherein said user interface port is awireless network port.
 12. A portable radio coverage enhancement systemas claimed in claim 7 wherein said user interface port is a wirednetwork port.
 13. A portable radio coverage enhancement system asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said battery is a lithium ion battery.
 14. Aportable radio coverage enhancement system as claimed in claim 8 whereinsaid power converter is an AC to DC power converter.
 15. A portableradio coverage enhancement system as claimed in claim 8 wherein saidpower converter is a DC to DC power converter.
 16. A portable radiocoverage enhancement system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said antennastand is a tripod stand with collapsible legs and a telescoping centermast.
 17. A portable radio coverage enhancement system as claimed inclaim 7 wherein said first and second coaxial cables are flexible, lowloss, coaxial cables.
 18. A tactical bi-directional amplifier systemcomprising: a tactical amplifier kit and a standard antenna kit; saidtactical amplifier kit comprises a case that is weather-resistant andportable and a user power cable; said case presents on its exterior amomentary pushbutton switch, an indicator light, an indoor antennaconnector, an outdoor antenna connector, a power connector, and awireless network antenna connector; said case encloses a bi-directionalamplifier, a battery power supply, a power converter, a controller, anda wired network interface connector; said standard antenna kit comprisesan antenna stand, a cable organizer, a first and a second coaxial cable,a detachable outdoor antenna, a detachable indoor antenna, a first setof feet supporting said standard antenna kit in a vertical orientation,and a second set of feet supporting said standard antenna kit in ahorizontal orientation; said first coaxial cable detachablyinterconnects said outdoor antenna with said outdoor antenna connector;said second coaxial cable detachably interconnects said indoor antennawith said indoor antenna connector, and said user power cable detachablyconnects said power connector to an external power source.
 19. Atactical bi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 whereinsaid detachable outdoor antenna is a directional antenna.
 20. A tacticalbi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 wherein saiddetachable indoor antenna is an omni directional antenna.
 21. A tacticalbi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 wherein saidbattery power supply comprises a lithium ion battery.
 22. A tacticalbi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 wherein saidpower converter is an AC to DC power converter.
 23. A tacticalbi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 wherein saidpower converter is a DC to DC power converter.
 24. A tacticalbi-directional amplifier system as claimed in claim 18 wherein saidantenna stand is a tripod stand with collapsible legs and a telescopingcenter mast.
 25. A tactical bi-directional amplifier system as claimedin claim 18 wherein said controller comprises a timer, a connection tosaid bi-directional amplifier, a connection to said pushbutton switch,and a connection to said indicator light.
 26. A rapid deploymentemergency repeater system comprising: a portable case comprising wheelsallowing the case to be rolled, a bi-directional amplifier, a battery,an outdoor antenna connector, an indoor antenna connector, a powerconnector, a power switch, a power supply, and a battery charger; saidoutdoor and indoor antenna connectors are connected to outdoor andindoor antenna connections of said bi-directional amplifierrespectively; said battery charger is connected to said battery; anoutdoor antenna; an indoor antenna; an antenna clamp; a coaxial cable; apower cord; said coaxial cable detachably connects to said indoorantenna with said indoor antenna connector of said portable case; saidoutdoor antenna is detachably connected to said outdoor antennaconnector of said portable case; said power cord is detachably connectedto said power connector, and said bi-directional amplifier includesautomatic level control and automatic shutdown control.